Washington School's RAC Promotes School-wide Activities During Recess

Editor's note: This information was originally published on the Summit school district's website.

The Recess Activities Committee (RAC) at Washington Elementary School was developed at the beginning of the Fall 2011 school year for students to work collaboratively to develop skills considered necessary for social growth.  The RAC organization is facilitated by the school psychologist, Ms. Angela Paster, the physical education teacher, Mr. Thomas Bowers, and the two school psychologist interns, Aimee Schwartz and Megan Francis.  The goal of the group is to forge new friendships and social interactions in a reinforcing and unique way.  

Through the use of various planning meetings and events, students work toward meeting individual goals as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEPs).  This structure provides leadership opportunities for students who might not naturally emerge as leaders to assume those roles with support. Students eagerly engage in committee work to support each of the events hosted by RAC.  Some of these events include Music lunch, Cupid Twirl Toss, Drawing contest, Charades, Talent Show, Bingo, Dance-Off, and Mummy Wrap. Washington staff members often give up their time to participate in these events, held during the students' recess time.

By implementing exciting school-wide activities during recess, it encourages all students to participate, thus providing opportunities for appropriate peer modeling.  All students, grades 1 to 5, are welcome to participate.