A new movement called Restore Recess is sweeping through Central Florida as another school district considers making recess a required part of students' curriculum.

  • Parents want 20 minutes of recess to be mandatory for elementary school students
  • A proposal has already been approved by the Osceola County School Board

"(Recess) should be a child’s inalienable right because it's so crucial to their development socially, physically and emotionally," said John Mazzanovich, who lives in Seminole County.

The Mazzanovichs aren't the only ones who feel recess should be required in Seminole County — and across the state.

Many advocating online through the group "Recess for all Florida Students" are currently working with the Seminole County School District and others in Central Florida to create a rule that would require 20 minutes of recess each day for elementary school students.

"We have a very clear position statement, which says that children do best when they are allotted 20 minutes of consecutive free play daily and that would be recess," said Angie Gallo, from the Florida PTA.

Advocates recently tried — but failed — to pass a state law requiring recess. While they wait for the next legislative session, parents continue to fight at the local level.

At the end of June, the Seminole County School Board will vote on restoring recess. It will be required daily.

Mazzanovich said he's hopeful the school board will be in favor.

"Recess is just as important as any other academic pursuit for the development of our kids, and it needs to be treated that way," he said.

The Osceola County School Board has already approved a recess proposal. Starting next school year, elementary school students will get 20 minutes on regular-schedule days and 10 minutes of recess during early release days.