I am requesting that the Attica Central School district enact the recess policy that was approved in January 2017. Recess has been taken away and it's time to take it back. Our children's school experience has become less and less about preparing them for the real world and all about standardized testing. Recess is not being uniformly given to all students, K-4th grade. Schools wonder why children are learning less and misbehaving more. The American Academy of Pediatrics concluded that “safe and properly supervised recess offers children cognitive, physical, emotional and social benefits. It should be used as a complement to physical education classes, not a substitute, preferably outside. Recess should provide free, unstructured play or activity. The AAP recommends that recess should never be withheld as a punishment, as it serves as a fundamental component of development and social interaction that students may not receive in a more complex school environment. Study authors conclude that minimizing or eliminating recess can negatively affect academic achievement, as growing evidence links recess to improved physical health, social skills and cognitive development.” Other studies have proven daily free play for children is beneficial and crucial for learning socializing and cognitive learning skills. Children are not being allowed to be kids. We must stand up for them and fix this for them. Children need free play, and teachers need children who are able to focus. I am asking all Attica parents to sign this and please share so we can get our schools back.