Policy Details Page

Policy 2146

Instruction

---

PURPOSE
The Board of Directors believe that physical activity breaks, such as recess, are an essential component of the education program for all District students. Evidence has shown that such breaks contribute significantly to the educational, health and social-emotional development of students. A break from the daily routine contributes to alertness in people of all ages, particularly young students. Providing respite is highly compatible with brain research and attention span in students. Analysis of research findings also consistently concludes that physical activity supports learning and is an effective strategy to regulate emotions.

School recess activities also develop social skills and social interactions of students. It is recognized that students in today's world are engaging in more solitary activities with electronic devices and games. Organized sports may provide teaming opportunities for some, but fewer chances exist in open settings and less-structured social interactions. Recess contributes to activities that can help develop skills in conflict resolution, leadership, social interaction, and group play.

Recess Expectations
The Superintendent is directed to develop guidelines for the implementation of this policy. Such recess shall be supervised but shall largely consist of unstructured playtime. 

Each school day that exceeds five hours in duration, must provide a minimum of 30 minutes total of daily recess within the school day for all students in grades kindergarten through five, including Transition to Kindergarten (TTK), that attend an elementary school. When possible, recess shall be scheduled before lunch to reduce food waste, maximize nutrition, and allow students to be active before eating. Time spent changing clothes for outdoor play cannot be counted as part of the required 30 minutes. 

Recess must be supervised, student directed, and must aim to be safe and inclusive. It may include organized games, but public schools should avoid including, or permitting the student use of, computers, tablets, or phones during recess.

The Board discourages withholding recess for discipline or punitive punishment unless there is an immediate threat of safety to the students and others, which should be applied equitably. Alternative recess settings may be offered to provide students with active opportunities to regulate and/or deescalate as needed. Additionally, the Board discourages withholding recess to complete academic work.

Recess activities may not be punitive. For example, students may not be required to run laps or do push-ups as a punitive action. The Board recognizes the emotional regulation benefits of physical activity.  While physical activity may not be used to punish prior conduct, structured physical activity may be offered to students who would benefit from an opportunity to deescalate or regulate their emotions.

Recess should be held outside whenever possible. If recess is held indoors, public schools should use an appropriate space that promotes physical activity.
 

Cross References:    
Policy 1600 – Anti-Racism
Policy 2100 – Instructional Program Offerings    
Policy 4260 – Use of School Facilities
Policy 3244 – Prohibition of Corporal Punishment

Legal References:
RCW  28A.230.295        Daily Recess
RCW 28A.210.368         Nutrition, health, and physical education model policy and procedure
RCW  28A.230.040        Physical Education – Grades 1-8
RCW 28A230.050          Physical Education in High School
WAC 180-50-135           Physical Education – Grade School and High School Requirement
WAC 180-51-085           Physical Education Requirement – Excuse 
WAC 392-400-825         Corporal punishment, restraint, and isolation
7 CFR, Parts 210 and 220
7 CFR, Part 245.5

---

Adoption Date: 9/25/2008

Revised Date: 11/14/2024