Problem
Recess is a critical part of the school day - it allows children to have a break from learning, develop relationships, learn social skills and exercise their imagination. Research shows that it improves test scores, behavior, classroom participation, mental health and socialization. It is supported by the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatricians, the VDEA and the Governor of Virginia.
In Virginia Beach schools, students have 15-20 minutes daily of recess that is tacked onto the beginning or end of their physical education time. This means that PE teachers are responsible for providing both PE and recess for up to 1100 students daily, including transitions, set up and break down of any equipment, getting children in appropriate clothes - all in a short 45 minute lesson time.
As a result of this implementation, recess is frequently less than 15 minutes, if it is given at all. In communicating with parents and students from around the district, we have heard varied reports of children not receiving recess for over a week, not being allowed free choice or opportunity for imaginative play, having recess removed because of behavior, not being allowed on the playground equipment and not even being allowed outdoor recess in nice weather.

Solution
We propose 6 goals that will improve recess in Virginia Beach schools:
1. Separate recess from PE.
2. Provide 50 minutes of recess to elementary students daily.
3. Recess will not take away from music, art, library education and will be scheduled so as to provide students at least 15 minutes of break both before and after lunch.
4. All schools will develop a written policy for indoor recess, to include how it is determined, where it will take place and what activities will be available - to allow for freedom from "direct instruction" and opportunity for creative and social play.
5. VBCPS will investigate the reason for underutilization of playgrounds and make appropriate adjustments and recommendations.
6. VBCPS will remind teachers and administrators of the wellness policy that states recess will not be removed due to disciplinary issues.

Personal story
We are a group of concerned parents that found each other as we were investigating why our children did not have recess. We sent a group letter to the School Board and Superintendant in September sharing these concerns. We began a Facebook group just to communicate about this response but we grew to almost 150 parents while our children have continued to not have the opportunity to play. It was at this point that we decided to take a more formal action and began the Virginia Beach chapter of the More Recess for Virginians coalition.