Manassas City School Board member Sara Brescia: “I have been working with the Superintendent and the administration to increase recess and playtime in our earlier grades to go beyond the current 20 minutes per day (the state minimum).”
“I am happy to report that next school year the minimum for unstructured playtime for each school will be expanded by an additional ten minutes to a total of 30 minutes. This is a move in the right direction, and I want to thank the administration for working with me on this change.”
Brescia explained in a previous email: “Currently, most of our elementary students have a single 20-minute recess (the legal minimum), and I’m working on how we can expand time for free play in our early grades. There is a wide body of research showing that there are academic benefits of recess for young students as it helps them digest what they have learned in class and enhances focus. Research also shows that increased free play opportunities in the early years pay behavioral and disciplinary dividends as kids get older with increased confidence and an increased ability to self-regulate. Given that many of our students live in apartments or other housing situations not conducive of outside free play, recess may be the only time for them to do so safely.”
“Our area private schools and Prince William County Public Schools both offer greater recess time. Making a change here would help make our schools more attractive to young families.”
Recent Stories
The Dumfries Town Council reversed course and voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit (CUP) that will allow a local business to host cultural, entertainment, and community events on its property along Washington Street.
A heat advisory is in effect across the region today, with heat index values expected to climb as high as 107 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Drivers in the Fredericksburg region should prepare for overnight lane closures this week as road crews carry out maintenance and construction along major corridors in Stafford and Spotsylvania counties and the City of Fredericksburg.
Nearly 700 residents in Aquia Harbor are without electricity this evening as Dominion Energy reports a power outage affecting 697 customers.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
