Is Recess a Right for Kindergarteners?

Part Two of a transcript from the Dec. 19, 2013 School Committee meeting. 

For the full meeting, click here.

7:45 p.m. to 7:51 p.m.

The board then went to updates on four policies.

For the most part, the changes were just putting in the word “Chelmsford.”

The first was regarding suspending policies (#2205) with the action of the superintendent or a majority of the School Committee, which would just add the word “Chelmsford.”

Rigney asked if superintendents can just suspend policies, then they’re not worth much, but he then mentioned the next policy after that (#2206) mentions that the superintendent has to explain why, so he asked if both of those policies should be combined.

This policy was put in place in 1981.

Thoren said that it’s possible that other policy numbers may have to be changed if the policies were merged.

A motion to combine the policies and delete the space for the second one was unanimously approved.

 7:51 p.m. to 7:53 p.m.

The second policy, relating to organizational policies, only had changes adding “Chelmsford School” several times as well as changing “it is recommended that the School Committee reorganization occurs within two days of the annual election” to “it is STRONGLY recommended…”

This was unanimously approved.

7:53 p.m. to 8:26 p.m.

There was then a discussion on a health and wellness policy (#6507), adding asterisks for a footnote relating to kindergarten and preschool recess.

Regarding delaying addressing behavioral issues to allow early childhood students to get recess, Thoren said that behavioral issues should be addressed immediately, but that children at that level still need recess.

Rigney agreed, saying recess should not be taken away at a punitive manner, but agreeing that action must be taken immediately, even during recess.

Thoren reiterated that preschool and kindergarten children should be allowed to have recess regardless of behavioral issues like students in Grade 1 to 5.

Tiano added a caveat that elementary students have more than one recess, and Thoren added there is no definite number of recesses, with Tiano disagreeing, stating that there is at least one recess mentioned in the policy, but then Thoren saying it was not clear where there was one or more than one.

Skaar and Rigney said that this particular policy was particularly specific.

Thoren said a more thorough review of the policy should bring in physical education teachers, with Tiano saying the issue could be sent to a sub-committee.

Rodriguez said that recess cannot be the sole offering for physical education, thus asking whether recess should be included in the policy.

Skaar recommended that school become a sub-topic within the larger policy, separated from this general physical education policy.

There was more discussion on that recess has a physical education component to it.

Rigney said he does not like a policy for one particular thing, but that much of this particular policy could be changed, with additional commentary by Rodriguez and Thoren rehashing physical activity at recess.

Thoren said that there would be a subcommittee meeting regarding wellness in January.

Skaar went back to saying that it should be kept simple and that it should be said that preschool and kindergarten children should have at least one recess and that it cannot be removed due to disciplinary issues.

Thomas then said that possible state of mind issues could make recess harmful in certain situations, and that educators should be trusted with judgment on when recess could be harmful.

Tiano said that he would be hesitant to regulate educators and their learning styles given differing contexts that educators may face.

Thomas added that the issue would be denying recess on a regular basis rather than just one recess. Tiano said that students often require corrective measures early in the year.

Thoren said that more discussion was needed on what the physical education program is.

Rigney agreed that more discussion was needed, saying that if there isn’t a consensus that recess can never be taken away that there should be a question on whether it can be taken away on a regular basis.

Skaar then said that practical expectations for what kindergarteners are capable of doing should also be taken into account, the mentioning a policy at a school district in Connecticut where recess cannot be taken away, with Rigney then asking if there should be wiggle room.

Tiano then reiterated his belief that educators should be trusted in their judgment, with Skaar then reiterating that there are rules and that there are differences in tolerance from teacher to teacher.

Rigney was concerned with getting into hard and fast rules for separate teachers, but said that goals are a good thing.

No action was taken, with Thoren then given the opportunity to take another look at the policy.