Recess and Field Trips

SSSAS Lower School's Lloyd House

Two recent articles in The Washington Post addressed the importance of recess and field trips for students. As you get closer to deciding where your child will go to Kindergarten next year, be sure you keep the following in mind. 

• How much recess will your child have? When speaking with parents looking to make the switch from another elementary school to St. Stephen's & St. Agnes I am saddened by how little their children are outside playing, climbing, running, compromising, and communicating with their peers. The Washington Post's article addressed a recent statement issued by The American Academy of Pediatrics. The American Academy of Pediatrics' policy statement makes it quite clear how important the playground is for children. Thank goodness our students are outside daily for at least thirty minutes!

• The Washington Post columnist, Jay Matthews, addressed field trips in this January 30, 2014 article. Think back to when you were a child. Do you remember the bus ride, the boxed lunches, and the excitement of getting off campus? I sure do. Matthews cited an experiment that found students who went to an Art museum in Arkansas, "showed higher levels of critical thinking, historical empathy, tolerance and interest in art museums than similar students who didn't". Be sure to ask if and how often your child will be off campus. You may even be able to go along! 

Stay warm out there and Happy Valentine's Day!

Sincerely,

Katherine 


Originally from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, where she attended an independent school from preK-12th grade, Katherine Carbo earned a bachelor’s degree in business and a law degree before returning right back to the independent school world. With experience at four different schools from coast to coast, she writes insights and observations from the front line of independent school admissions.  Mrs. Carbo is the Director of Lower School Admission at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.  She may be reached at kcarbo@sssas.org.