...The well-appointed playground at Darnestown Elementary School is empty because the kids have gone home for the day. But some parents here say it is empty far too often for other reasons.
"Now there is just one, in my view, very short, recess period. And that’s sometimes denied, because of the weather or issues with too much talking in the cafeteria," said parent Rob Swisher.
That means kids are kept off the playground as punishment. That is something some parents think is inappropriate given the tiny amount of exercise their kids get at school.
"When they [children] have a consequence, the first thing that’s taken away is recess. And the children that are acting out, they need recess more," explained parent Sherri Wallmark...
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This happens at my boys' school. Certain teachers use recess as a punitive time and parents are afraid to send their children back to school with unfinished homework they don't understand as you know they will lose recess that day. The worst is when you see boys with add and adhd constantly kept in - these boys need the down time most of all. Yes, administration has been made aware of this, but the message was clear that the teachers could do what they want. The administrator is loved by mcps so when trying to go above this person on this and other issues, parents are met with disbelief and no help has ever been provided.
ReplyDeleteAs a parent push for more PE or a more organized recess. Volunteer at your child's school and see what happens in the cafeteria or even in the classroom as it relates to behaviors. I understand taking away recess, sometimes it's the only disciplinary action that is taken against a disruptive, disrespectful child, especially when administration does not adhere to their stated discipline policy.
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