A Better Recess for Renaissance!

I fully support this petition. As a new parent to the area it's very concerning to learn of this issue. Please implement these changes ASAP.

Recess is as critical to the school day as any academic class. Children need to regroup and recharge to learn well.

The day at Renaissance is so long--the students needs a break. Recess should never be taken away as a punishment.

Recesss is critical to a kid's successful day

It's a long day and an active break helps both kids and teachers. Why the overwrought process?

more movement and more opportunities for socializing without disrupting the classes in session. surely there is a middle school way of moving from one part of the building or yard to another that doesn't require complete silence and lining up?

I grew up in a school environment where we had 15 min recess after each 45 min class. I can't imagine how the principal expects kids to be able to behave by missing their only recess of the day. I mean seriously? And yes they also need time to eat their lunch.

My daughter just spent three happy and productive years at Renaissance and our family was looking forward to sending our son there next year. The lack of recess time is VERY concerning to me. My son is very physically active and also quite garolous! I have serious reservations about my son spending 3 years (!) essentially waiting on a line instead of running off his excess energy. Renaissance is a feeder school for Bullock. This 'rule' is completely opposite to Bullocks educational philosophy. I would expect Ms. Kuabara to reach out to all professionals involved to remedy this issue.

Kids are already expressing frustration that there is not enough time to eat and have recess. I do not believe this new rule is in the best interest of the majority of the student body.

Please let them run & play

I agree with all of this. Our children need some free time no matter what!

Indoor recess must include a space for kids to socialize. It's already bad enough they are not able to run around outside, they need to let loose a little bit so they can focus on the remainder of their day effectively. I can't believe any administration would want pent up kids in class!

I am disappointed the indoor recess game room option was replaced with movies. That is not what recess is for. I do not want my child sitting pasively in front of a screen.

Recess, physical activity and unstructured creative play is essential within the school day and I'm grateful to the amazing Renaissane community for supporting the value in it. Besides the obvious health benefits, more physical activity for students during long academic hours reduces the need for behavioral management and allows them to focus better in the classroom. In our technological world, it's more important then ever to protect at least 20 minutes a day for recess. Thank you for your consideration.

I'd like the kids to have a protected lunch time also. Too many times I hear that there has not been enough time to eat because of X, Y, and Z.

I think this is a thoughtful agenda and would like to see it become policy.

What makes parents and students choose Renaissance over other options is specifically its values and philosophy, including empowering students to trust themselves and welcoming parents as members of the community. If our new leadership can't connect with that, the school will lose students and lose what actually makes it remarkable. We are only a few months in, but if this tone deafness continues, the level of protest and dissatisfaction from thoughtful students and parents will only rise. Please figure this out. It's not just about recess, it's about a vision that respects and understands that this school is unique. We are rooting for you - so please give us something to root for here and let us know that you are hearing us.

I am reminded of 3 elements of how Renaissance has traditionally billed itself and attracted many families: (1) As a progressive school that values whole child development, including all its domains: Cognitive, Physical, Social, Emotional and Creative; (2) As embracing a philosophy of respect for students as CURRENT thinkers, doers, citizens and people; and (3) As a school that actively engages and values parents and their contributions. What we are seeing this year is a notable shift in the CULTURE of the school - the tone, the messages, the in-between class times, the policies, the atmosphere, the spirit of the place (canceling spirit week?). Our children are not receptacles of learning or bodies to be moved around and managed. They are engaged, interested current people, capable of contributing to their community and learning from mistakes. They can drive their learning, improve their school and town and embrace standards of respect. I oppose the recess policy and support this petition in its entirety. I think it also raises larger questions about the state of the school. I sincerely hope the fantastic teachers at Renaissance still have the support and latitude they need to maintain Renaissance as a truly progressive school...there are so few left! I urge our leaders at every level to protect Renaissance from an eroding identity and spirit (or at least the perception they are eroding).

Recess is vital to my kids. Happy to sign.

13771 N Fountain Hills Blvd STE 114-346 Fountain Hills AZ 85268