An attempt to eliminate recess in the Westchester Elementary School was unanimously defeated today in the Missouri Capitol, by a legislative committee made up of members of its 4th grade class.

The class held a mock hearing on the proposal, giving its students a chance to learn more about how the legislative process works.
The hearing was chaired by Kirkwood Democrat Deb Lavender, whose district includes Westchester Elementary.
Lavender explained that sometimes people come to the Capitol to testify on real bills that they have a concern about, just as students today testified about this made-up legislation.
The students had prepared in the weeks leading up to the mock hearing learning how the legislative process works and preparing to make their case against the banning of recess.
The mock bill was introduced by 4th grade teacher Jeni Ono, who presented the arguments for this made-up proposal.
No one spoke in favor of eliminating recess except Ono and her fellow 4th grade teacher Brigette Ryan.
Children argued that recess gives them time in sunlight during which they are exposed to healthy Vitamin-D, that it gives them time to interact socially, and that studies have shown that children need time for unstructured play in order to thrive.
4th grader Keaton Coldwater said sometimes kid need a break just like adults.
The student committee held a vote and the mock bill to eliminate recess was defeated 11-0. Lavender noted this was the third year such a proposal had been offered and defeated, and she expects it will come up again for future students to consider.