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School health advisory committee urges standardized 45-minute recess, limits on using recess as punishment
Summary
The district—s School Health Advisory Council, chaired by Becky Laswell, recommended four actions including opioid education updates, community health fairs, clearer human development/sex-ed consent communications, and a policy requiring 45 minutes of unstructured recess for pre-K through grade 5 that should not be removed as punishment.
The Round Rock ISD School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) presented four recommendations to trustees, with its most consequential call asking the district to adopt a policy guaranteeing 45 minutes of unstructured recess for all students in pre-K through grade 5 and prohibiting the removal of recess for academic reasons or punishment.
Becky Laswell, SHAC chair, told the board the proposal was based on national and Texas research linking longer, split-day recess to improved physical and mental health and, in some studies, higher academic focus during classroom time. "Round Rock ISD should adopt a district level policy, which includes 45 minutes of unstructured recess for all students in grades pre k to 5 and the provision that recess shall not be taken away for academic reasons or as a punishment," Laswell said.
Other recommendations: SHAC asked the district to (1) deliver opioid-education curriculum to grades 6-12 in accordance with state law; (2) host community health fairs to connect families with local services; and (3) streamline consent communications for human development lessons so parents can more easily know and opt in or out.
Why it matters: SHAC cited evidence that increased recess reduces cortisol, improves physical coordination and bone health, helps students eat more nutritiously when recess is scheduled before lunch, and supports social problem-solving and belonging. Members said some RRISD elementary campuses already provide more than the district—s 20-minute baseline recess, and the committee recommended a short policy statement to standardize the practice districtwide.
Board exchange: Trustees thanked SHAC for the work and asked administration to return with options and feasibility analysis; superintendent and staff agreed the recommendation would require adjustments to master schedules but noted several campuses already have longer recess periods.
Ending: The board did not vote on a policy at the meeting; staff said they would study operational impacts and return with implementation options and a proposed policy for board consideration.
