Students ask committee to restore regular recess at Galvin Middle School

Canton — During public comment at the May 15 meeting, three Galvin Middle School students asked the committee to provide recess or guaranteed outdoor time during the school day.

Sixth‑grader Marcela Nunez told the committee she and classmates calculated that 17 minutes per day could be repurposed to create recess without changing total school hours. “Research is very important for our mental health and our social skills,” Nunez said. She asked how the committee could help the students secure recess beginning September 2025 if the district kept the same hours.

Two other students, Eleni Stathis (Hanson Elementary) and Jay Stathis (Galvin sixth grade), also spoke in favor of more outdoor time. Jay said a system that allowed only certain tables to go outside at lunch prompted students to change seats to gain outdoor access and asked why all students could not have the opportunity to go outside.

The committee acknowledged the comments and asked for the students to share their calculations and research with district staff for review. A committee member said the issue had been discussed with Galvin leadership and invited the students to send their materials to the principal and to Director of Student Services for follow-up.

No formal action was taken; the committee requested that staff review the students’ submission and report back.