Running for Recess

My name is Kelly Gorman and I am a 1st Grade Inclusion Teacher at P.S. 6 Jotham W. Wakeman School in Jersey City, New Jersey. I am running the Jersey City Marathon to fundraise money to supply my school with the necessary equipment and supplies for recess. Recess promotes youth movement and physical activity - something that is vital for the healthy development of our students. Physically active students are better, well-rounded students. Based on data retrieved from the CDC, students who receive quality, 20 minutes of recess/physical activity every day are better behaved in class, have increased test scores and grades, have better attendance, and have better memory, attention, and concentration. Some social and emotional benefits include an improved ability to share and negotiate, social/school connectedness, and a better school climate. P.S. 6’s playground lacks the resources and funding to foster an engaging and safe environment that promotes positive youth movement and physical activity, i.e. no sporting/recess equipment, playsets, etc. Unfortunately, adequate spaces, facilities, equipment, and supplies come at a price. Yet, the true price that is paid is when students suffer emotionally, socially, and academically due to their physical need for movement and play not being met. Essentially, quality recess is a form of prevention. When students suffer emotionally, socially, and academically, schools have to allocate funding to invest in various other interventions to address the challenges students face, which usually cost more than recess spaces, facilities, equipment, and supplies. Anecdotally speaking, I have witnessed students become less engaged and excited about recess due to this lack of resources. From my own experience, recess was my favorite time of the day because it allowed me to play with friends and gave me a break from the school day. Even today, movement and physical activity provide me with an overall wellness that allows me to show up as my best self for my students. I hope you highly consider donating. With your donation, P.S. 6 Jotham W. Wakeman School will be better supplied with better recess facilities, spaces, and equipment - tools necessary to foster positive physical activity and movement. Movement is medicine! Thank you for your time and consideration!