Parents ask Henrico board to guarantee 45 minutes of daily elementary recess

Jen Himes, a parent and advocate with Parents for More Play, told the Henrico County School Board during public forum on June 12 that the division should adopt a minimum of 45 minutes of daily recess for elementary students.

“Recess is not a luxury. It is a fundamental need for every child's academic, social, emotional, and physical development,” said Jen Himes, a parent and stakeholder from the Tuckahoe District representing Parents for More Play. Himes asked the board to adopt 45 minutes of daily recess emphasizing outdoor free play and device-free indoor options when weather prevents outdoor activity.

Himes cited the American Academy of Pediatrics’ position on recess and referenced state law: “Virginia state law states that recess may be included in the calculation of required instructional hours for elementary school, provided that it does not exceed 15% of the required instructional hours.” She noted that in Henrico’s 6½-hour school day, 15% would be about 58 minutes per day and asked the board to work toward a 45-minute minimum.

Why it matters: Himes said research shows regular unstructured play supports cognition, classroom behavior and social skills. She also provided the board a petition of more than 500 signatures and a copy of Hanover County’s recently extended elementary recess plan as examples used by other Virginia divisions.

Discussion vs. decision: this was public comment; the transcript records no board motion or vote on recess policy at the June 12 meeting. The board’s public forum rules state staff will follow up with speakers after the meeting.

Ending: Himes urged collaborative work with the division and highlighted other Virginia school divisions — including Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William and Hanover counties — that have increased elementary recess time.