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Lunch, Recess and Planning in Elementary Schools

Lunch, Recess and Planning in Elementary Schools Because of the budget cuts, lunch and recess monitors were eliminated thus necessitating the need for teachers to help supervise students. In response to a request from PGCEA, principals were directed to attempt to provide a block of 45 minutes (not including lunch) of planning time. We recognize this may be difficult in some schools, but bear in mind:

• Building reps and school FAC’s should be collaborating with principals to create an equitable duty schedule.
• The contract guarantees every elementary teacher a minimum of 30 minutes of daily uninterrupted planning time during the student day. This does not include the teacher’s lunch.
• Every teacher is guaranteed a 30 minute duty free lunch period. The only exception would be if the student lunch period is shorter.
• Teachers who do provide coverage should keep a record of their coverage. While we are not sure if we will be able to return any funding to this item, we at least want to make sure that, if we are able to do so, we have records to support our claims.
• If there are concerns about planning time at your school, contact PGCEA at 301-736-2700 and ask to speak to your UniServ Director.