They say a picture is worth a 1000 words. I think this drawing by a Westmoreland Elementary student speaks volumes. Contrary to what the elementary school principal wants the public to believe, the students miss recess and are not all having fun.
The young children of this school need a voice and they need to have their rights protected. As parents and citizens, it is our duty to do so. These children should have both the benefits of recess AND physical education. The Westmoreland School needs to put some effort and time into coming up with alternative solutions. There is flexiblity in meeting the NYS standards, as outlined in F.A.Q. section of the website in the Physical Education Section. Westmoreland has taken the easy way out, just eliminate recess.
You may think that these students go outside for their gym class, right? No, actually just the opposite. My daughter is a 1st grader and the last 2 glorious weather days were spent confined to the gymnasium...not a breath of fresh air or a drop of sunshine. And most days so far were, yes, inside.
So why did our school eliminate recess? They say there was no other way to meet NYS requirements...Maybe...or maybe, just maybe it was for the almighty dollar? Perks from the state for this strict Physical Education program? Would a school sacrifice children's happiness for money? Maybe...
So to you that think, "What's the big deal anyway?"....It could be YOUR school, YOUR children next being sold out for some extra money....And, yes, your taxes will still probably increase....
"Let Our Little Bulldogs Run Free"
For More Information:
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/pe/peqa.html
http://naecs.crc.uiuc.edu/position/recessplay.html
Parents and Concerned Citizens Are Encouraged to Show Support on 10/14 @ 6:30pm at the Westmoreland High Library B.O.E Meeting.
More Information to Help this Cause:
Email: petercrissgirl72@yahoo.com
Beth Ritter says ...
On Wednesday, Oct 15 at 5:00 PM
We received lots of support on 10/14 @ the BOE Meeting. We have to work even harder now to achieve RECESS and to stop letting the BOE bukky parents into thinking they have no choices! YOU DO! Contact me: petercrisssgirl@aol.com for more info
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