Locals to ‘Rally for Recess’ at J.O. Wilson on Saturday

Local chefs, trainers and coaches and Ward 6 D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen will participate in a “Rally for Recess” at J.O. Wilson Elementary School (660 K St. NE) this weekend.

The event will kick off with a jump rope demonstration and giveaway at 10 a.m. Saturday morning. Other planned events include demonstrations on healthy activities and foods.

Playworks DC, an organization aimed at making recess “a healthy, integral part of the school day,” is throwing the event.

“Playworks is rallying for recess this spring so parents and educators can show support before school schedules are set for 2016-17,” reads a press release about the rally. “Too many area principals and superintendents are cutting down recess time to 15-20 minutes, once a day, in favor of more time in the classroom.”

More information from that press release:

Saturday’s Rally for Recess in Northeast DC will feature DC Central Kitchen, local chefs, cross trainers and Playworks coaches, providing games, healthy food, demonstrations, A PlayShop training, fun toys and easy recipes. The Rally is supported by Playworks, DC Central Kitchen, the DC Department of Health, Kaiser Permanente and local food/drink donors.

Saturday’s Rally for Recess in Northeast DC will feature DC Central Kitchen, local chefs, cross trainers and Playworks coaches, providing games, healthy food, demonstrations, A PlayShop training, fun toys and easy recipes. The Rally is supported by Playworks, DC Central Kitchen, the DC Department of Health, Kaiser Permanente and local food/drink donors.

Playworks is rallying for recess this spring so parents and educators can show support before school schedules are set for 2016-17. Too many area principals and superintendents are cutting down recess time to 15-20 minutes, once a day, in favor of more time in the classroom.

Research links recess not only to increasing physical activity (which fires up the brain) but also bolstering social-emotional skills and preparing students to learn back in the classroom. #SaveRecess

Playworks is collecting signatures from community members about restoring and improving recess in local District, Maryland and Virginia schools. Signatures will continue to be gathered at the Rally, and will be delivered to superintendents in mid-May.

Showing your support today will influence decision-making on recess for the 2016-17 school year!

Locals who feel strongly about recess can also sign the organization’s “Rally for Recess” petition.

Photo courtesy of Playworks DC