Henniker board adopts policy forbidding withholding recess as discipline
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Summary
The board unanimously adopted an amended wellness policy (IMAH) adding an explicit sentence that 'recess shall not be withheld to discipline students or force completion of school work.' The board discussed safety exceptions and implementation with staff.
The Henniker School Board voted Jan. 13 to adopt an amended wellness/physical-activity policy (IMAH) that explicitly prohibits withholding recess as a disciplinary measure.
During the policy discussion the board agreed to remove item 'j' and replace it with a clear standalone sentence. As stated by the meeting moderator: “recess shall not be withheld to discipline students or force completion of school work.” Board members and administrators debated narrow exceptions for students removed from general education for safety reasons or behavior plans; presenters said such individual accommodations would be handled through existing IEP and safety policies.
Board members discussed the timing of communication to faculty and incorporation of the change into the student/parent handbook. The policy was put to a voice vote and adopted as amended. Administrators said they would prepare communications for staff and families and refer additional operational questions to the wellness and policy committees.
What happens next: the policy will be posted online and added to handbooks; staff will receive guidance on implementation and handling individual safety cases under existing special-education and behavior‑plan processes.