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York County elementary school students could soon get more recess

Elementary School students in York County could soon have a lot more time on the playground.

York County — YORK COUNTY, Va. (WVEC) -- Elementary School students in York County could soon have a lot more time on the playground.

In April, Governor Ralph Northam signed a bill allowing 15 percent of all instructional time in elementary schools to be used for recreation or recess.

“It’s just a benefit all the way around for the children, they just need a break throughout the day,” said York County School Board member Michael Anderson.

Anderson began holding meetings with parents. He’s pushing York County to increase recess from 20 minutes a day to 40 minutes a day.

“Studies have shown that it helps to increase the cognitive skills, emotional stability, the physical well- being of the students,” said Anderson.

Ideally, Anderson would like to see the 40 minutes split into two breaks. One break in the morning and one in the afternoon. He said the majority of parents he’s spoken with have been in agreement.

“Get that fresh air, get that oxygen, get that sunshine, so they can get back into the classroom and focus, get those wiggles out,” said parent Genelda Burke.

“A little relaxation at school, a little extra relaxation, will probably reduce stress for kids,” said parent Anna Stanton.

“When it’s time to sit you’ll have the exercise that you need to be able to sit and concentrate on what the teacher has to say,” said parent Elise Bavuso.

Bavuso has a fourth grader named Connor who loves the playground. Connor said the harder he plays, the harder he studies.

“If there is a big test like the SOL, you go out for recess, you get ready for it, you get excited,” Said Connor.

The York County School Board is expected to discuss formal plans to increase recess in the upcoming weeks, which would make them the first school district in Hampton Roads to do so.

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