As concerned parents and community members, we are deeply troubled by the reduction of recess time Dr. Dan Zorn and the Longview School District Administration is implementing in the 2023-2024 school year without formal approval or public notice. We know that recess is an essential part of a child's education and development, providing much-needed physical activity, socialization opportunities, an
d invaluable brain boosting benefits. Research has shown that regular physical activity is critical for children's health and well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children should get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. However, many kids are not meeting this recommendation due to factors such as lack of access to safe outdoor spaces, screen time, and sedentary lifestyles. Furthermore, Washington State law mandates an average of 100 minutes of Physical Education per week. LVSD elementary students currently receive 80 minutes; 20 minutes short of state requirements. Recess provides a valuable opportunity for kids to be active and recharge throughout the school day. In fact, studies have found recess boosts cognitive function and reduces stress, which in turn leads to children achieving higher academic outcomes. Additionally, research has shown children who receive more recess minutes at school tend to be more physically active overall than those who have less or no recess. Shortening lunch to 20 minutes does not provide a sufficient amount of time for our students to complete their meals and build healthy eating habits. We urge Longview School District officials not to reduce recess and lunch time in our schools, and to prioritize student health and well-being. Please sign this petition today if you agree that our children deserve adequate recess and lunch time! *You may opt to have your name hidden from public view. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/guidelines.htm
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/lunch-time-is-so-short-in-some-public-schools-students-are-going-hungry/2019/08/23/f97df454-c034-11e9-b873-63ace636af08_story.html
https://www.recessguardians.org/post/grow-your-blog-community
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1176549.pdf
