Saco Middle School implementing recess in upcoming school year

 SACO — Students at Saco Middle School will have a daily recess this upcoming school year.

Saco Middle School, 40 Buxton Road, serves students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade.

Principal Marie Soucy said implementing a recess period has been a goal of hers since she was hired last year. Soucy previously worked at schools in Rye, New Hampshire and York that implemented recess at the middle school grades, and she said she saw many benefits.

“Some people might feel physical education takes the place of this, but kids really need unstructured physical time,” she said.

Not only does recess give students time to be active, but it also gives them a mental break and face-to-face social time with their peers, she said.

The recess period will be 25 minutes after lunch. To carve out time for this mid-day break, three minutes were shaved off each class period, said Soucy. Recess periods will be scheduled by grade level. This will give students opportunities to spend time with friends in their grade level, not just those who are in their classes, said Soucy.

The newly established recess has received support from the school community.

“The SMS PTO is delighted that our students will have recess this year,” said Saco Middle School PTO President Alana Trottier in a written statement. “Having time to be outside, move their bodies, or visit with friends is so important at this age. We are excited to help support the teachers and staff in any way we can to make sure recess is accessible and fun for all of our students.”

The school has partnered with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department to ready the campus. Basketball hoops have been installed, benches will be set up for children to socialize, and activity areas such as a walking trail and a four-square court will be installed, said Soucy.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.