Liv Gabay
Eighth graders Patrick Shie, Daniel Shie and Julia Zaldivar arrive for lunch after a sweltering recess on Sept. 26.
Outdoor recess has been a mandatory requirement for four years, but it is time for a change. We have had recess since 2021 and students deserve to have an alternative to recess. Many students find it uncomfortable in the heat, there is slim to no shade, and it drains students energy.
Right now, only the first 30 people in line can go inside during recess. Students feel a need to rush from their class to recess just to make the 30 person limit. This creates anxiety for many who find recess physically uncomfortable. Maybe for some recess is a joy for their schedule, but it is not a one size fits all. Recess is physically uncomfortable because students’ hot clothing chafing and irritating their skin. Students who dread recess could be spending their time more productively, like getting homework done instead. Not only is the current alternative to recess exclusive, it also lacks structure. And when we do end up going inside, all we do is sit in the gym and talk.
When students come back from recess, their clothes, faces and bodies are drenched in sweat, and can make them self-conscious in the classroom. Following recess they have other school activities leaving them uncomfortable the whole day. Recess is held on the field, which does not provide any sort of shade, leaving students sunburnt or drowsy. This leads to students feeling drained of energy. When students get hot outside, they can become overstimulated, leading to headaches and lack of focus. Especially if students have P.E or Dance after recess, it affects their contribution in their physically demanding classes. All that time in the scorching sun leaves students in a drained state, which can lead to them going home winded.
There should be an alternative for recess that accommodates all who do not want to participate, like an indoor study hall. Students need the chance to be able to go indoors to work on homework. Students should have a more structured time to collect themselves, cool down and prepare for the next period, rather than having to endure the chaos on the field. We are not looking to goof off inside–we are really just looking to find peace and calm in our day.