Recess: A break from classes during the school day or year (Encarta Dictionary)

This is an important issue the 4th "R" of Education (Recess) is just as important and conducive to learning as the other 3 (Reading, wRiting & aRithmetic). Kids need a break during the day so that their brains can absorb and comprehend what was taught in the classroom. - MM

Petitioning Middletown Board of Education Members, Superintendent William George III,

We the members of the Middletown school community request that you reconsider the reduction of recess and lunch time periods in your effort to increase academic study within the class day.

The American Academy of pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that elementary students be provided with scheduled periods of unstructured physical activity and play every day and that this time not be reduced in effort to increase academic study (Murray & Ramstetter, 2013).

Numerous studies purport this claim indicating benefit of recess to support and enhance the social, physical, and emotional development of children. Reducing the time allotted for unstructured play either in lieu of increased academics or as punitive measures for misbehavior robs our children not only of these benefits but also of the opportunities for independent growth and decision-making.

We ask that you consider the holistic needs of our children and adhere to the supported research outlined, as well as parental input and reinstate the prior time frame and unstructured nature of recess. Thank you for your consideration.

Murray, R. & Ramstetter, C. (2013). From the American Academy of Pediatrics

Policy Statement: The Crucial Role of Recess in School. Pediatrics, 131 (1). p. 183 -188

(doi: 10.1542/peds.2012-2993)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1997). Guidelines for school and community programs to promote lifelong physical activity among young people. MMWR Recomm Rep. 46(RR-6):1–36

National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education. (2011). Recess and the Importance of Play: A Position Statement on Young Children and Recess. Washington, DC: National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education; 2002. Retrieved from: www.naecs-sde.org/recessplay.pdf.

Sibley B, & Etnier J. (2003). The relationship between physical activity and cognition in children: a meta-analysis. Pediatr Exerc Sci.15. p. 243–256

Stellino M.B., & Sinclair C.D. (2008). Intrinsically motivated, free-time physical activity: considerations for recess. J Phys Educ, Recreat Dance,79(4). P.37–40

If you agree, as I do, sign this petition and send Superintendent William George and the members of Middletown's Board of Education the message that Recess is just as important to our children's learning as extra time in the classroom. - MM

Monmouth Dems Petition to STOP Brookdale Layoffs!

Help us STOP layoffs and budget cuts at Brookdale Community College

210 Layoffs

Facing steep cuts to Brookdale's 2015 budget, the Brookdale Board of Trustees recently recommended the elimination of 210 faculty and staff positions.
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$6 Million

Monmouth County government has cut 23% of its funding, or $6 million, to Brookdale Community College in just 3 years. This does not include the additional $1.5 million that is expected to be cut out of 2015's funding.
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12% Drop in 3 Years

Brookdale has seen a sharp decline in enrollment, to the tune of 12% in just 3 years. The lack of faculty and services is expected to drive this number further.

YOU CAN HELP!

Sign our petition to tell the Monmouth County Freeholder Board to restore funding to Brookdale Community College!

WATERSPIRIT Action Alert - Say No LNG

There is an application before the US Maritime Administration for a Liquid Natural Gas facility, “Port Ambrose”, off of Long Branch, NJ and 17 nautical miles south of Jones Beach, NY. Clean Ocean Action asserts that this is the same proposal that was vetoed by Governor Christie in 2011, but with a different name. This port license can be for both import and export, which can potentially lead the proposed port to being the region’s hub for exports for natural gas, leading to more pipelines throughout NJ, accelerated hydraulic fracturing in the region, even more toxic radioactive waste, and increased energy costs. This is a real threat to the pubic health, ecosystems, and clean safe water.

If you are a concerned citizens, a homeowner, a business owner,a member of a civic or community organization, swimmer, diver, fisherman, boater, beachgoer or anyone who will be adversely affected on the Jersey Shore, please come to the public hearing in Sea Bright on Thursday, July 11th and bring your friends, this effects all of us!

Thursday, July 11
Citizen’s Hearing on the Jersey Shore
Sea Bright Public Beach, Sea Bright, NJ
Open House: 4:30-5:30pm
Public Comments: 6pm-8pm

And be sure to sign the Surfrider’s Online Petition to Governor Christie