Recess/Lunch Schedules
2007-08 School Year

An option for students to have their recess period before lunch will be implemented this year as a means to improve overall management, enhance the recess and lunchroom experiences for the students, and ultimately to improve the quality of learning in the classroom in the afternoon. The current schedule indicates the time frame for the proposed changes. These procedures will be followed:

• Recess duty personnel will report to the play area to receive students for recess. Classroom teachers will escort classes to the playground for recess.
• Each classroom will receive a large container for students to store their lunches during recess. This container will be left in designated area to be announced. When recess is over, a designated student will carry the container to the lunchroom and distribute the lunches for the lunch table.
• Recess assistants will be responsible for organizing lines at the end of the recess periods and escorting the students to the lunchroom.
• Grade 1 students will return to the classrooms for lunches and lunch money.
• Each teacher will be responsible for picking up their students at their table at the end of the lunch period and escorting them back to the classroom in an orderly manner.
• Each student is responsible to be sure that trash and belongings are cleared from the table and floor areas.
• Assistants will escort students who receive medications at lunchtime to the nurse for their medications.
• Students who suffer injuries and office referrals will be given extended time to eat if necessary.
• Cafeteria assistants will wash the tables between lunch periods.
• Recess staff have time to assist the lunchroom assistants at the beginning of each lunch period.
• Attention to time schedules is extremely important for effective management.

There are many positive reasons for having a recess/lunch arrangement. Some of these include:

• Minimized reports after recess (many will forget about a petty issue)
• Students more focused and ready to eat
• Recess first may produce a calming effect in the cafeteria
• Recess detention more meaningful. Students feel a more immediate consequence.
• More immediate response to behavioral problems.
• Increased instructional time in the afternoon (i.e. reduction in playground issues being reported to classroom teachers for intervention and resolution.)

Teachers are to walk their classes to the playground for recess. In addition, teachers are expected to assist the cafeteria aides in the lunchroom during the first three weeks of school in order to help establish orderly procedures. During the school year, teachers are expected to meet their class at their cafeteria table at the end of the lunch period. Teachers are to dismiss their class from the cafeteria and escort the students, orderly and quietly, to the classroom. Teachers are to be sure each student is responsible to clear their trash and belongings from the lunch table area.