BEDMINSTER TWP. - Recess was once a hallmark of a typical school day, but it is not currently provided at the Bedminster Elementary School.
One fifth grade student is now working hard to change that.
Student Fin Spitaleri addressed the Board of Education at its meeting on Thursday, April 27, and presented a petition that called for establishing a daily recess period of 20 minutes for middle school students in the grades K-8 school.
The petition was signed by nearly 200 students in grades 4-7 as well as several teachers.
"I think recess is so important," Spitaleri told the board as an audience of more than 20 parents and students looked on. "You can get fresh air and minimize the chance of getting sick.
"We should have 20 minutes of unstructured time to free our minds," he added. "I believe in the value of play and adding social and emotional lessons not learned in the classroom."
While students have a physical education class, the time is structured, he said. Moreover, he noted, phys ed is replaced during a marking period by health class.
Twenty minutes of recess could be cobbled together by taking just a few minutes from several classes, Spitaleri said. He also promoted the idea of allowing students to eat at an outdoor lunchroom.
"How can we measure if recess is going to make a difference?" he asked.
If a recess period is approved, he offered to create a survey for teachers analyzing if recess helps reduce fidgeting in class and increases concentration and focus. It could also measure academic performance.
So far this year, the Bedminster Parent-Teacher Organization has spent nearly $1,000 on anti-fidget devices including bouncy balls and flexible seating for classrooms, according to Anna Spitaleri, the student's mom.
Board members said they were impressed with the presentation.
"Recess is always an issue but the Personnel and Programs Committee is going to look at it even more now," said Board President Jeff Reaves.
Board member Brian Haggerty recalled that he had recess when he was in the school.
"I think it's a very good discussion," he said. "It's fundamental to education."