Nashua Teachers Against Altered Recess Policy

NASHUA, NH — The Nashua Teachers' Union president recently voiced opposition to a possible mandatory recess policy in Nashua schools. Adam Marcoux wrote a letter to the Board of Education saying while he's a proponent of recess, there are times when teachers need discretion to withhold it from students who act up. (Subscribe to Nashua Patch news alerts for breaking Nashua news. iPhone/iPad users: download the new Patch app.)

"If Johnny goes out to recess every day and injures another student repeatedly, is recess an appropriate activity for Johnny?" Marcoux wrote in the letter. "If Johnny continues to make poor behavior choices during the school day, it might be appropriate for him to miss recess ... While I am a major proponent for having recess for all students, there are times that students may not have the privilege of attending recess."

Nashua school officials have been discussing possibly changing recess policies to give more students access. No official policies have been adopted yet. Marcoux added in his letter some teachers may have a differing opinion from him on the recess issue.

This is Marcoux's letter:

To the Nashua Board of Education,

I have heard suggestions that there should be policies adopted by the Board of Education regarding recess before lunch, and not using recess as a consequence or as a time to make up missed academics. I am adamantly opposed to the Board of Education writing policy to dictate how a school leadership team schedules and meets the needs of their students.

Principals and assistant principals have the challenging task of creating a schedule that meets the needs of all students and teachers. Principals, assistant principals, and leadership teams should be allowed to continue creating a school-wide schedule that meets the needs of the school and their students.

It should come as no surprise to the Board that I am a proponent of recess. However, there are times when recess may not be appropriate for all students. If Johnny goes out to recess every day and injures another student repeatedly, is recess an appropriate activity for Johnny? If Johnny continues to make poor behavior choices during the school day, it might be appropriate for him to miss recess.

If Johnny was out sick for three days, using recess time to help him with a missed lesson, or explain a difficult concept might be beneficial to the student. While I am a major proponent for having recess for all students, there are times that students may not have the privilege of attending recess.

It is the opinion of the Nashua Teachers’ Union that the Board of Education should not take any action in creating policies that would mandate recess before lunch or prevent teachers and administrators from taking recess away if it is deemed necessary. Each school is a unique microcosm of the school district. Those who work in the building every day are the most qualified when it comes to making decisions that affect the operations of their school. We fully support the principals, assistant principals, and teachers continuing to be able to make the best choices for their schools and students.

Sincerely,

Adam A. Marcoux

President, Nashua Teachers’ Union

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