Buffalo's District Parent Coordinating Council is calling for the return of recess to city schools.The group has been meeting with district officials and Superintendent Pamela Brown on a variety of health issues. Second Vice President Jessica Bauer Walker says many parents are pushing for a return to the days when kids let off some steam by running around during recess.
Bauer Walker recently told the school board that is especially true because the district isn't meeting state requirements for physical education. She says the district would need to hire 30 additional physical education teachers to be in compliance.
"The district, right now, is not in compliance with New York State education department standards for physical activity and a health education," Bauer Walker said. "There are some things that we recommend that could be done immediately, such as implementation of recess."
"Especially for the little ones who really need to move on a regular basis. They can't sit for long periods of time," she added.
Districts, in recent years, have gotten away from recess exercise as schedules have become jammed to meet mandated test requirements.
