Middle School Recess coming to FCPS

[Anonymous]

Give ‘em recess, confiscate phones

[Anonymous]

Middle school teacher of 27 years.

We have it currently; it's attached to an existing class (so, in a class schedule, it extends a period length 15 minutes). Right now, we end the formal class period at the regular time, and then kids have 15 minutes to do nothing in particular, but they have to stay in their classroom, or have a pass to go to the bathroom or the library. Each classroom has 1 pass for those things, so students can go 1 at a time. Teachers have games in their classroom, and although we are an "away for the day" school, that policy is superceded by teacher discretion; teacher can allow phone use in their classrooms.

The thing I wonder about when MS recess goes full implementation is similar to what some PPs have brought up: when the students are allowed "to roam", a) what does that mean, and b) where do they go? Middle schools definitely don't have the outdoor infrastructure to support recess, and the PE department has classes they have to supervise (often very full classes). I guess the choices will be 1) stay in the classroom, 2) go outside, 3) roam the hallways, 4) go to the library (the library has a max capacity for space & supervision requirements).

Additionally I wonder, as at least 1 other PP commented, is 15 minutes even enough, say, if they are going to go outside? I'd imagine that this recess will be in the morning (well, maybe it'll be attached to lunch?), so will it be cold enough that kids don't want to go outside? Or will the field still be wet? And how long will it take for kids to get outside, and then to get back inside? I'm not saying we shouldn't do it, but I wonder if the powers-that-be who came up with this idea (county leadership, school board, parents) really understand what it will look like in practice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Middle school teacher of 27 years.

We have it currently; it's attached to an existing class (so, in a class schedule, it extends a period length 15 minutes). Right now, we end the formal class period at the regular time, and then kids have 15 minutes to do nothing in particular, but they have to stay in their classroom, or have a pass to go to the bathroom or the library. Each classroom has 1 pass for those things, so students can go 1 at a time. Teachers have games in their classroom, and although we are an "away for the day" school, that policy is superceded by teacher discretion; teacher can allow phone use in their classrooms.

The thing I wonder about when MS recess goes full implementation is similar to what some PPs have brought up: when the students are allowed "to roam", a) what does that mean, and b) where do they go? Middle schools definitely don't have the outdoor infrastructure to support recess, and the PE department has classes they have to supervise (often very full classes). I guess the choices will be 1) stay in the classroom, 2) go outside, 3) roam the hallways, 4) go to the library (the library has a max capacity for space & supervision requirements).

Additionally I wonder, as at least 1 other PP commented, is 15 minutes even enough, say, if they are going to go outside? I'd imagine that this recess will be in the morning (well, maybe it'll be attached to lunch?), so will it be cold enough that kids don't want to go outside? Or will the field still be wet? And how long will it take for kids to get outside, and then to get back inside? I'm not saying we shouldn't do it, but I wonder if the powers-that-be who came up with this idea (county leadership, school board, parents) really understand what it will look like in practice.

I would like to see it attached to lunch personally. Then kids can choose to just have a longer lunch and not be rushed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Middle school teacher of 27 years.

We have it currently; it's attached to an existing class (so, in a class schedule, it extends a period length 15 minutes). Right now, we end the formal class period at the regular time, and then kids have 15 minutes to do nothing in particular, but they have to stay in their classroom, or have a pass to go to the bathroom or the library. Each classroom has 1 pass for those things, so students can go 1 at a time. Teachers have games in their classroom, and although we are an "away for the day" school, that policy is superceded by teacher discretion; teacher can allow phone use in their classrooms.

The thing I wonder about when MS recess goes full implementation is similar to what some PPs have brought up: when the students are allowed "to roam", a) what does that mean, and b) where do they go? Middle schools definitely don't have the outdoor infrastructure to support recess, and the PE department has classes they have to supervise (often very full classes). I guess the choices will be 1) stay in the classroom, 2) go outside, 3) roam the hallways, 4) go to the library (the library has a max capacity for space & supervision requirements).

Additionally I wonder, as at least 1 other PP commented, is 15 minutes even enough, say, if they are going to go outside? I'd imagine that this recess will be in the morning (well, maybe it'll be attached to lunch?), so will it be cold enough that kids don't want to go outside? Or will the field still be wet? And how long will it take for kids to get outside, and then to get back inside? I'm not saying we shouldn't do it, but I wonder if the powers-that-be who came up with this idea (county leadership, school board, parents) really understand what it will look like in practice.

I would like to see it attached to lunch personally. Then kids can choose to just have a longer lunch and not be rushed.

Yep, or like me and my MS friends did, eat lunch as (reasonably) quickly as possible and then go play basketball or some other playground game for ~20+ mins before the bell rings for class.

[Anonymous]

They will sit around on their phones at "recess". I'm not against breaks, but study hall would be more useful to them by middle school. Also, maybe FCPS can make it easier for students to partake of sports teams at school. Lower the barrier to entry, allow walks ons to the teams. I know of many students who would like to play a team sport at school, but it is hard to compete against the kids are already on travel team$, etc. for a spot. I don't think recess is the problem here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Middle school teacher of 27 years.

We have it currently; it's attached to an existing class (so, in a class schedule, it extends a period length 15 minutes). Right now, we end the formal class period at the regular time, and then kids have 15 minutes to do nothing in particular, but they have to stay in their classroom, or have a pass to go to the bathroom or the library. Each classroom has 1 pass for those things, so students can go 1 at a time. Teachers have games in their classroom, and although we are an "away for the day" school, that policy is superceded by teacher discretion; teacher can allow phone use in their classrooms.

The thing I wonder about when MS recess goes full implementation is similar to what some PPs have brought up: when the students are allowed "to roam", a) what does that mean, and b) where do they go? Middle schools definitely don't have the outdoor infrastructure to support recess, and the PE department has classes they have to supervise (often very full classes). I guess the choices will be 1) stay in the classroom, 2) go outside, 3) roam the hallways, 4) go to the library (the library has a max capacity for space & supervision requirements).

Additionally I wonder, as at least 1 other PP commented, is 15 minutes even enough, say, if they are going to go outside? I'd imagine that this recess will be in the morning (well, maybe it'll be attached to lunch?), so will it be cold enough that kids don't want to go outside? Or will the field still be wet? And how long will it take for kids to get outside, and then to get back inside? I'm not saying we shouldn't do it, but I wonder if the powers-that-be who came up with this idea (county leadership, school board, parents) really understand what it will look like in practice.

Our MS has it currently that kids are free "to roam" for 15 min--it's almost like just a long passing period. My kid uses it to go to the library and/or to meet up with friends she otherwise doesn't see much during the day. It's a nice little break--if she could go outside she would--she goes outside for lunch already whenever possible and choose the outside options for PE when there's a choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Middle school teacher of 27 years.

We have it currently; it's attached to an existing class (so, in a class schedule, it extends a period length 15 minutes). Right now, we end the formal class period at the regular time, and then kids have 15 minutes to do nothing in particular, but they have to stay in their classroom, or have a pass to go to the bathroom or the library. Each classroom has 1 pass for those things, so students can go 1 at a time. Teachers have games in their classroom, and although we are an "away for the day" school, that policy is superceded by teacher discretion; teacher can allow phone use in their classrooms.

The thing I wonder about when MS recess goes full implementation is similar to what some PPs have brought up: when the students are allowed "to roam", a) what does that mean, and b) where do they go? Middle schools definitely don't have the outdoor infrastructure to support recess, and the PE department has classes they have to supervise (often very full classes). I guess the choices will be 1) stay in the classroom, 2) go outside, 3) roam the hallways, 4) go to the library (the library has a max capacity for space & supervision requirements).

Additionally I wonder, as at least 1 other PP commented, is 15 minutes even enough, say, if they are going to go outside? I'd imagine that this recess will be in the morning (well, maybe it'll be attached to lunch?), so will it be cold enough that kids don't want to go outside? Or will the field still be wet? And how long will it take for kids to get outside, and then to get back inside? I'm not saying we shouldn't do it, but I wonder if the powers-that-be who came up with this idea (county leadership, school board, parents) really understand what it will look like in practice.

Our MS has acres of field and blacktop courts and it's all surrounded by a fence save the entrance. What exactly does a school need in order to have students outside?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here’s another MS. Same thing but their break is next to lunch. Are there any that didn’t already do this? I think this is all elementary parents worrying over nothing. https://jacksonms.fcps.edu/about/bell-schedule

Jackson parent here. That break ended due to misbehavior outside. They go straight back to class after lunch and watch the school newscast. They do get 5 minutes upon arrival to the second block. Advisory is only one time a week and is not a free period at Jackson either-SEL and positivity project lessons, followed by study hall for the last 30-40minutes

[Anonymous]

@15:24, by infrastructure, I mean all of it--personnel, equipment, space. For us, we have 1 field, with a baseball diamond. No basketball courts, no outdoor benches + tables, just that 1 field and a parking lot. Surrounded by houses on 2 sides and a county facility on the third (street is out front). Our PE folks that could supply "recess" with equipment is already engaged with their own classes. And again, middle school kids complain about everything (lol), so I assume we'd hear, "it's too cold/hot/windy/whatever" or "the fields are still wet" (if in the mornings).

I didn't realize that some middle schools have better equipped outdoor facilities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Middle school teacher of 27 years.

We have it currently; it's attached to an existing class (so, in a class schedule, it extends a period length 15 minutes). Right now, we end the formal class period at the regular time, and then kids have 15 minutes to do nothing in particular, but they have to stay in their classroom, or have a pass to go to the bathroom or the library. Each classroom has 1 pass for those things, so students can go 1 at a time. Teachers have games in their classroom, and although we are an "away for the day" school, that policy is superceded by teacher discretion; teacher can allow phone use in their classrooms.

The thing I wonder about when MS recess goes full implementation is similar to what some PPs have brought up: when the students are allowed "to roam", a) what does that mean, and b) where do they go? Middle schools definitely don't have the outdoor infrastructure to support recess, and the PE department has classes they have to supervise (often very full classes). I guess the choices will be 1) stay in the classroom, 2) go outside, 3) roam the hallways, 4) go to the library (the library has a max capacity for space & supervision requirements).

Additionally I wonder, as at least 1 other PP commented, is 15 minutes even enough, say, if they are going to go outside? I'd imagine that this recess will be in the morning (well, maybe it'll be attached to lunch?), so will it be cold enough that kids don't want to go outside? Or will the field still be wet? And how long will it take for kids to get outside, and then to get back inside? I'm not saying we shouldn't do it, but I wonder if the powers-that-be who came up with this idea (county leadership, school board, parents) really understand what it will look like in practice.

I would like to see it attached to lunch personally. Then kids can choose to just have a longer lunch and not be rushed.

Yep, or like me and my MS friends did, eat lunch as (reasonably) quickly as possible and then go play basketball or some other playground game for ~20+ mins before the bell rings for class.

The 15 minute break is attached to lunch at our MS and we are moving it next year. Students cannot just choose to have a longer lunch because of supervision issues. Kids are coming in for the next lunch as the other lunch is exiting. Having break before/after lunch created too much movement in the building and kids were getting “lost” (skipping or just otherwise oblivious that there group was going back inside). Letting large swaths of middle schoolers outside sounds great in theory, but in practice, there are a lot of moving parts. I agree that outside time is great for everyone, but it is not as easy as it may seem to those that don’t deal w/ 1,000 + 12/13/14 year olds every day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They will sit around on their phones at "recess". I'm not against breaks, but study hall would be more useful to them by middle school. Also, maybe FCPS can make it easier for students to partake of sports teams at school. Lower the barrier to entry, allow walks ons to the teams. I know of many students who would like to play a team sport at school, but it is hard to compete against the kids are already on travel team$, etc. for a spot. I don't think recess is the problem here.

There are no sports in FCPS middle schools? They did away with them a few years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm having a hard time understand why ppl don't want the kids to just have recess? What could possibly be bad about that?

Same. What are you afraid will happen if kids get 15 minutes of unstructured time?

Bullying.

Yep. At worst it’s bullying and at best they will be standing around staring at their phones.

Signed,
Middle school psychologist

And no doubt looking at porn on their phones.

Kids can look at porn any time. That's no reason to not have recess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They will sit around on their phones at "recess". I'm not against breaks, but study hall would be more useful to them by middle school. Also, maybe FCPS can make it easier for students to partake of sports teams at school. Lower the barrier to entry, allow walks ons to the teams. I know of many students who would like to play a team sport at school, but it is hard to compete against the kids are already on travel team$, etc. for a spot. I don't think recess is the problem here.

There are no sports in FCPS middle schools? They did away with them a few years ago.

-There has never been sports in MS. And 15 minutes is not going to bring MS sports to FCPS. The MS Afterschool Program is working on this issue. A few schools informally started playing each other. Honestly though, this isnt going to solve the issue for HS…you arent making the HS Boys Soccer team if you are just playing middle school soccer w/ the after school program.

-To answer another poster, we are not allowed to confiscate phones.

-Also, the new reg specifically says the kids have to go outside unless there is inclimate weather, so I assume the schools that are currently letting kids roam inside the building will no longer be able to do that.

-My school actually has a lot of field space, but it only has one small blacktop. The blacktop is how PE classes access the fields, so there is constant mixing of kids on break w/ kids in class. It causes some headaches for the PE teachers (especially now that there are no required PR uniforms to easily identify break kids vs. PE kids). If PE is using the fields, we have the small blacktop for use, a small interior courtyard, and a small patch of grass at the front of the school. It requires a lot of teachers to monitor, unlike a fenced in playground at an ES.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They will sit around on their phones at "recess". I'm not against breaks, but study hall would be more useful to them by middle school. Also, maybe FCPS can make it easier for students to partake of sports teams at school. Lower the barrier to entry, allow walks ons to the teams. I know of many students who would like to play a team sport at school, but it is hard to compete against the kids are already on travel team$, etc. for a spot. I don't think recess is the problem here.

There are no sports in FCPS middle schools? They did away with them a few years ago.

-There has never been sports in MS. And 15 minutes is not going to bring MS sports to FCPS. The MS Afterschool Program is working on this issue. A few schools informally started playing each other. Honestly though, this isnt going to solve the issue for HS…you arent making the HS Boys Soccer team if you are just playing middle school soccer w/ the after school program.

-To answer another poster, we are not allowed to confiscate phones.

-Also, the new reg specifically says the kids have to go outside unless there is inclimate weather, so I assume the schools that are currently letting kids roam inside the building will no longer be able to do that.

-My school actually has a lot of field space, but it only has one small blacktop. The blacktop is how PE classes access the fields, so there is constant mixing of kids on break w/ kids in class. It causes some headaches for the PE teachers (especially now that there are no required PR uniforms to easily identify break kids vs. PE kids). If PE is using the fields, we have the small blacktop for use, a small interior courtyard, and a small patch of grass at the front of the school. It requires a lot of teachers to monitor, unlike a fenced in playground at an ES.

Maybe the MS schools will need to redesign their outdoor spaces but it can be done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They will sit around on their phones at "recess". I'm not against breaks, but study hall would be more useful to them by middle school. Also, maybe FCPS can make it easier for students to partake of sports teams at school. Lower the barrier to entry, allow walks ons to the teams. I know of many students who would like to play a team sport at school, but it is hard to compete against the kids are already on travel team$, etc. for a spot. I don't think recess is the problem here.

Not true. I teach 6th grade and the kids play. They will be in 7th grade in the fall and would love to be outside to throw a ball or chill.