Dear School District 57 Trustees,
It has come to my attention that SD 57 has decided to cancel recess for elementary students during negotiations with the BCTF.
Recess is essential for children - studies show the benefits are not just confined to physical health, but also positively affect mental health, physiological and emotional development, and social skills.
Since the school board's mandate states that students have "the right to have their intellectual, emotional, physical and social needs met," I respectfully submit that if teachers are unable to provide the supervision needed for the students of School District 57 to safely participate in recess, it becomes the responsibility of the school board to provide this supervision.
While I understand that teachers do provide an active break for students, this break is not enough. Our kids need recess.
Other school boards in B.C. have opted to have administrative staff supervise recess for our children - ours should, too. While I understand how difficult these times can be, and appreciate the School Board's desire to minimize the negative effects on our children, as a parent I feel that suspending recess must not be an option.
Charity Gillett
Prince George
