Take a moment and consider the following: wouldn't you enjoy another break during the school day or everyone having P.E.? Studies have shown that more breaks have produced better behavior and more focused students. Physical activity is neccessary for good health. The U.S. Department of Health recommends that children ages 6 through 17 have 60 minutes or more per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. They also state physical activity improves academic performance, memory, and reduces symptoms of depression. Even though research shows the benefits of exercise for youth, not all New Summit students have P.E., especially students that are in dyslexia therapy. According to our research, the Mississippi Healthy Students Act (MS 37-13-134) requires a minimum of, "150 minutes of activity based instruction per week for students grades k-8." Also, (MS 37-13-134) requires, "for students in grades 9-12, a half Carnegie Unity of physical education for graduation." Dr. Sutton said that the reason the majority of high schoolers don't have P.E. is that , "they have already accrued the houses needed for a diploma or will get them later on." The state still requires students in 7-12 grade to have physical education. To fix this, some suggestions we came up with are, for middle schoolers, during break, if they don't have P.E., they an go to the gym and play a quick game of dodgeball, kickball, or knockout. This way they can get at least 15 minutes of physical activity in the 7-8 hours they're at school. We could also add an extra break between 5th and 6th period. Brain breaks are helpful, even if they're short. They help boost blood flow and send oxygen to the brain, which helps students stay on task. Another break between 5th and 6th period would decrease our chances of getting in trouble and going home grumpy and irritated. 

"...physical activity improves academic performance, memory, and reduces symptoms of depression."

2019 by New Learning Resources Inc.

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