To the Editor,

I am concerned about the proposed elementary school schedule changes that would reduce Physical Education, Health, and Wellness (PEHW) classes to once per week. While balancing academic priorities is important, regular physical activity is essential to how children learn and develop.

PEHW is not simply exercise or free play. It provides developmentally appropriate instruction that engages students in critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and skill-building through movement. Young children learn best through active, hands-on experiences, and consistent physical activity supports focus, memory, self-regulation and readiness to learn in the classroom.

Reducing PEHW to once a week would disrupt the continuity needed for students to build motor skills, confidence and healthy habits over time. Effective physical education depends on regular practice and sequential instruction. Infrequent classes, especially with holidays and schedule interruptions, make it difficult to maintain meaningful progress and equitable learning experiences for all students.

Recess cannot replace PEHW. Recess offers valuable unstructured play, while PEHW provides intentional, standards-based instruction designed to support the physical, cognitive and social development of every child.

I urge the committee to reconsider this proposal and preserve regular access to quality physical education for all students.