Recess for High Schoolers: Medford's Innovative Approach to Boosting Attendance and Student Engagement

In a bold move to tackle the persistent issue of absenteeism in Massachusetts schools, a high school principal in Medford has introduced a unique solution: incorporating more fun and games into the school day. This innovative approach has not only improved attendance rates but also fostered a stronger sense of community among students.

Unlocking the Power of Movement Breaks

Embracing the Unorthodox

When Marta Cabral took over as the principal of Medford High School last year, she knew she needed to address the school's chronic absenteeism problem. Rather than resorting to traditional disciplinary measures, Cabral decided to take a more unconventional approach. She introduced what she calls a "movement break" during the lunch periods, allowing students to engage in physical activities like basketball in the gymnasium.This idea initially raised some eyebrows, as Cabral recalls, "There were a lot of questions like, 'Why are you doing recess at high school?'" However, Cabral was determined to implement this program, recognizing its potential to address the underlying issues driving student absences.

Linking Participation to Attendance

The catch to the movement break is that students must meet certain criteria to participate. They must have attended classes and arrived at school on time. This incentive-based system aims to encourage students to prioritize their academic responsibilities while still providing them with an opportunity to engage in physical activity and social interaction during the school day."I would ask, 'Did you come to school? Did you come to school on time? Did you attend all of your classes?' Another thing we struggle with is students being absent from class rather than absent from school," Cabral explained, underscoring the school's holistic approach to addressing absenteeism.

Measurable Success

The data speaks for itself – the movement break initiative has had a tangible impact on Medford High School's attendance rates. In just one year, the percentage of chronically absent students has decreased from a concerning 35% to a more manageable 23%. The positive results have not gone unnoticed by the school's faculty, with Cabral sharing, "The teachers were like, 'Do not ever take it away. Students are so much more focused.'"

Fostering a Sense of Community

The movement break has not only improved attendance but also fostered a greater sense of community among students. Justin Marino, the captain of the Medford High football team, believes the program helps students reset and refocus during the school day."I think it puts kids in the right state of mind after lunch, before lunch; it calms them down," Marino said, highlighting the program's ability to reenergize students and prepare them for the remainder of the academic day.Furthermore, the movement break has brought together students from diverse backgrounds and interests. Cabral noted that even the school's vocational and CTE students, often segregated from the general student population, now eagerly participate in the lunchtime activities."A lot of our vocational students, our CTE students, will come and play. And it's really cool because they're still in their uniforms, their electrical uniforms, or their shop uniforms," Cabral shared, showcasing the program's power to bridge social divides and promote inclusivity.

Cultivating a Positive School Culture

Cabral's intentional staffing choices for the movement break sessions have also played a crucial role in fostering a positive school culture. The assistant principal, the student engagement specialist, and even the school resource officer all participate, allowing students to interact with these authority figures in a more relaxed and approachable setting."It's so fun for me to see them in a different light, and I want them to see that these are all people who care and are doing this for them," Cabral explained, emphasizing the importance of building meaningful connections between students and school staff.While some might dismiss the movement break as a mere "high school recess," Cabral is adamant that the program is far more than just a playful interlude. It is a strategic and well-designed initiative aimed at addressing the complex challenges of student absenteeism and disengagement.As Medford High School continues to reap the benefits of this innovative approach, Cabral remains enthusiastic about the program's potential to shape the future of education in Massachusetts and beyond.