Manassas City School Board member Sara Brescia: “I have been working with the Superintendent and the administration to increase recess and playtime in our earlier grades to go beyond the current 20 minutes per day (the state minimum).”
“I am happy to report that next school year the minimum for unstructured playtime for each school will be expanded by an additional ten minutes to a total of 30 minutes. This is a move in the right direction, and I want to thank the administration for working with me on this change.”
Brescia explained in a previous email: “Currently, most of our elementary students have a single 20-minute recess (the legal minimum), and I’m working on how we can expand time for free play in our early grades. There is a wide body of research showing that there are academic benefits of recess for young students as it helps them digest what they have learned in class and enhances focus. Research also shows that increased free play opportunities in the early years pay behavioral and disciplinary dividends as kids get older with increased confidence and an increased ability to self-regulate. Given that many of our students live in apartments or other housing situations not conducive of outside free play, recess may be the only time for them to do so safely.”
“Our area private schools and Prince William County Public Schools both offer greater recess time. Making a change here would help make our schools more attractive to young families.”
Recent Stories
FAMPO’s River Crossing Parkway Study Survey is open until January 3, 2025, inviting public feedback on transportation development in the Fredericksburg region. The survey allows residents to share opinions on the project’s impact on regional needs, the community, and access to goods and services.
On November 22, two individuals were arrested in connection to a felony homicide investigation involving the neglect of a vulnerable adult, which began after a call to a home in Woodbridge earlier this year. The victim, a 32-year-old man with cerebral palsy, was found severely neglected and later died from sepsis caused by the neglect, leading to charges of homicide and abuse against the two family members involved.
It is with great sadness that the Manassas City Police Department announces the passing of former Chief of Police John Skinner.
The principal of Hayfield High School announced Monday night that the football team will withdraw from the postseason, according to a statement written by Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid and addressed to Fairfax County Public School families.
Travel to French soil and celebrate with us for an unforgettable evening of delicious food, wine and music.
What better way to celebrate the end of the 2024 wine harvest in style than at the Embassy of France at DC’s only official celebration?
This is the Wine Event Of The Year!
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Sing a Song of Christmas!!!
Join the New Dominion Choraliers for an impressive and exciting concert celebrating the Brightest and Best of the season. Along with the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, the chorus opens the program opens with Vivaldi’s Gloria, a joyful hymn of praise