Please read and sign this petition if you agree that JCPS should institute break times (at least one 30-minute break) during the school day for middle schools. Currently, the only "break" kids get is a 25-minute lunch, with no time to socialize, play or get sunshine and fresh air. Schools are focused on improving test scores. What they don't always realize is that breaks and play help kids learn better. Very few kids thrive in the traditional school environment, especially now when PE is not a daily requirement. Play is an integral part of childhood development! Child development experts and researchers support this. For example, see the following citation from a review of several research studies:

Ramstetter, C. L., Murray, R., & Garner, A. S. (2010). The crucial role of recess in schools. Journal of School Health, 80(11), 517-526.

• ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Recess is at the heart of a vigorous debate over the role of schools in promoting optimal child development and well-being. Reallocating time to accentuate academic concerns is a growing trend and has put recess at risk. Conversely, pressure to increase activity in school has come from efforts to combat childhood obesity. The purpose of this review was to examine the value of recess as an integral component of the school day.
• METHODS: A comprehensive review of recess-specific literature was conducted, beginning with a Google Scholar search, to cull definitions, position statements, and policy recommendations from national/international associations and organizations. A multi-database search followed. Additional articles were selected from reference lists. RESULTS: The search yielded a range of articles, from those focused on specific aspects of recess to those that examined multiple factors, including how to structure and conduct recess. Several themes emerged supporting recess as beneficial for children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical functioning. Optimal recess was well-supervised and safe. Crucial components were well-maintained playground equipment and well-trained supervisors.
• CONCLUSION: Recess serves a critical role in school as a necessary break from the rigors of academic challenges. Recess is a complement to, not a replacement for, physical education. Both promote activity and a healthy lifestyle; however, recess—particularly unstructured recess and free play—provides a unique contribution to a child’s creative, social, and emotional development. From the perspective of children’s health and well-being, recess time should be considered a child’s personal time and should not be withheld for academic or punitive reasons. Keywords: growth and development; child and adolescent health; physical fitness and sport; policy.