Parents press Cheltenham administrators over indoor recess practices; district pledges guidance

Two parents told Cheltenham’s policy committee they are concerned about how recess is being implemented at some schools and urged the district to ensure consistent application of its wellness and recess policies.

Caitlin, who said her children attend Glenside Elementary, said staff were keeping children indoors even when conditions felt appropriate for outdoor play and described what she called overly restrictive recess practices: “Children are being kept indoors when I feel the policy is not being met...They are not allowed to run and chase. There's no balls. There's no jump ropes.” She asked the district to investigate and promised to provide documentation to administrators.

Sarah Nutt, another parent with children at Glenside and Alconis Park, said she had raised concerns with principals and urged the district to preserve recess as a regular, nonpunitive part of the school day. "Recess is a hill I'm willing to die on," she said, describing recess as important for physical and emotional wellness and warning that withholding recess as punishment contradicts district discipline policy.

Administrator (Speaker 8) told parents the district would follow up with principals, aim to standardize practice across schools and issue clear guidance when weather is a factor. "We're gonna come up with clarity. That's gonna be our work, and we'll be able to circle back to you," the administrator said. The committee asked administration to determine whether building-level practices differ between schools and to return with recommended changes to AR text if necessary.

The committee did not adopt changes at the meeting; administrators said they will investigate, communicate clarified expectations to principals, and, if needed, present policy language changes at a future meeting.

The public comment and administrative response were recorded during the committee’s review of wellness and homebound policies.