Students across the country can benefit from recess like WJPS in many ways.
According to the Centers for Disease Control(CDC), recess “increases their level of physical activity, improves their memory, attention, and concentration.”
The CDC also mentions it helps students stay on task and reduces disruptive behavior.
So why don’t high schools across the country have recess like WJPS?
According to The National Institute of Health “state and federal requirements have prompted… school leaders to nudge recess off the schedule, replacing it with increased desk time.”
These school leaders should not keep students in desks longer, because most of the information won’t be retained without a physical break.
While schools might not think there’s time for a recess period, it can be part of the lunch period, like here at WJPS.
WJPS 11th grader Brianna Limandri said, “Recess is an important break that we get at WJPS. I think other schools should do it too.”
WJPS 11th grader Panagiota Sfeliniotis said, “I don’t go outside during recess, but it’s still good to have it for the kids who want to play sports.”