DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Recess time for many DeKalb County students has been reduced to 15 minutes, sparking outrage among parents.
Around 2,000 parents signed a petition demanding the reinstatement of longer recess periods, arguing that the decision was made without their input, Channel 2’s Tyisha Fernandes reported.
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The announcement came in a letter to parents, explaining that some schools with longer recess periods will need to adjust to meet strategic priorities. That includes making sure students receive two hours of daily literacy instruction.
“Any of us – particularly our little ones need sufficient time outside engaged in physical activity, in order to release energy, to reset, in order to be regulated – to be able to be focused and be their best as scholars in the classroom” said Dr. Fonta High, a mental health counselor and parent.
High also is the chair of the Beacon Black Alliance for Human Rights. She believes recess time should be increasing in DeKalb schools, not decreasing.
State Rep. Karla Drenner, a mother of twin 6-year-old boys, highlighted her concerns about the potential negative consequences, particularly in relation to children’s health and behavior.
“I think that this is going to have a negative impact, not just behaviorally but from a health perspective,” she said. “We’re fighting obesity rates here.”
DeKalb school officials said they are reviewing the change.
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