Annapolis Middle School Students Lobby For Recess

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Students at Annapolis Middle School have begun lobbying to once again have recess.

The Capital reports that eighth-grade student Amelia Farrell has gathered more than 270 student signatures, a teacher's signature, and has written a three-page essay arguing that recess gives students a mental break from school work and offers them time to connect with their friends.

The students say they experienced those benefits last fall when the school briefly had a pilot recess program.

Under the program, students had recess three days a week. Principal Dennis Kelly says the program was discontinued because of a lack of space for sports, as well as a lack of equipment.

Kelly says he is open to reinstituting recess with proper resources and staff.

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