Physical activity is bodily movement of any type and may include recreational, fitness and sport activities such as jumping rope, playing soccer, lifting weights, as well as daily activities such as walking to the store, taking the stairs or raking the leaves. Similar health benefits to those received during a physical education class are possible during physical activity bouts when the participant is active at an intensity that increases heart rate and produces heavier than normal breathing. Children and adolescents should participate in at least 60 minutes and up to several hours of physical activity per day. A substantial percentage of students physical activty can be provided through a comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP). A CSPAP reflects strong coordination and synergy across all of the components: quality physical education; physical activity before, during and after school; staff involvment and family and community engagment.

FFSD is committed to providing Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs across the district. Physical activity during the school day (including but not limited to recess, classroom physical activity breaks or physical education) will not be withheld as punishment for any reason. Alternative ways to discipline students  are provided to teachers and other school staff.

FFSD will ensure its grounds and facilities are safe and that equipment is available to students to be active. Necessary inspections and repairs will be conducted.

In the Ferguson-Florissant School District, all elementary schools offer at least 20 minutes of recess on all days during the school year. Outdoor recess will be offered when weather is feasible for outdoor play. In the event that the school or district must conduct indoor recess, teachers and staff will follow the indoor recess guidelines that promote physical activity for students, to the extent practicible.

Recess will complement, not substitute, physical education class. Recess monitors or teachers will encourage students to be active, and will serve as role models by being physically active alongside the students whenever feasible.

CLASSROOM PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BREAKS

The Ferguson-Florissant School District recognizes that students are more attentive and ready to learn if provided with periodic breaks when they can be physically active or stretch. Thus, students will be offered periodic opportunities to be active or a to stretch throughout the day on all or most days during a typical school week. FFSD teachers will incorporate movement and kinesthetic learning approaches into "core" subject instruction when possible (e.g. science, math, language arts, social studies and others) and do their part to limit sedentary behavior during the school day.

Teachers serve as role models by being physical active alongside the students whenever feasible.