Kindergarten-5th Grade Recess Information

As we are preparing for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year, we would like to share an important update for our Kindergarten through fifth-grade families. 

Beginning this school year, Oklahoma law (SB 1481) requires public schools to provide 40 minutes of daily recess for students in full-day kindergarten through fifth grade.

The good news is that our schools intentionally build flexibility into their daily schedules, including time that teachers could use to best meet the needs of their students. As schools finalized schedules for the upcoming year, they designated that existing time to meet the new state requirement. This means that MPS K-5 students will enjoy 40 minutes of daily recess, while school hours, lunch periods, and core instructional time remain unchanged.

Here's what families can expect:

• No changes to school start or dismissal times.
• No reduction in core instructional time.
• Lunch periods will remain the same.
• Forty (40) minutes of daily recess for students in full-day kindergarten through fifth grade, as required by Oklahoma law.

While every school serving students in full-day kindergarten through fifth grade will meet the state's 40-minute daily recess requirement, daily schedules may vary slightly from campus to campus based on each school's unique needs. Some schools may divide recess into multiple periods, while others may continue a lunch-and-recess model with an additional recess period or use another schedule that best supports students while meeting state requirements.

Recess provides students with valuable opportunities for movement, social interaction, and unstructured play, all of which support learning and overall well-being.  Mustang Public Schools will continue following established guidelines for outdoor activities. During periods of severe weather or unsafe outdoor conditions, schools will provide appropriate indoor activities whenever possible. Additional information regarding outdoor activity guidelines is available at:  https://www.mustangps.org/families-students/inclement-weather-information

Information about campus-specific schedules will be shared from your school site prior to the start of the school year. 

Thank you for your continued support as we prepare for another outstanding year. We look forward to welcoming our Bronco family back on August 13, 2026.

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Quick Facts

✔ No changes to school start or dismissal times.

✔ Lunch periods will remain the same.

✔ No reduction in core instructional time.

✔ Students in full-day kindergarten through fifth grade will receive 40 minutes of daily recess each school day, as required by Oklahoma law.

✔ Individual schools will share campus-specific schedules with families before the first day of school.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is recess changing this school year?

A new Oklahoma law (SB 1481) requires public schools to provide 40 minutes of daily recess for students in full-day kindergarten through fifth grade beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.

Mustang Public Schools has incorporated this requirement into school schedules while preserving instructional time and maintaining a strong academic program.

Will the school day change?

No. School start and dismissal times will remain the same.

The new recess requirement was incorporated into each school's schedule during the planning process, allowing schools to meet the new state requirement without extending the school day.

Will students lose instructional time?

No.

Schools developed schedules that preserve core instructional time while meeting the new state requirement. Students will continue receiving instruction in reading, mathematics, science, social studies, and all other required academic subjects.

Will lunch be shorter?

No.

Lunch periods will remain the same. Individual schools will communicate their daily schedules with families before the start of the school year.

Will every school have the same schedule?

Not necessarily.

Schools serving students in full-day kindergarten through fifth grade have different building layouts, lunch schedules, staffing, student enrollment, and instructional programming. While every school will meet the state's 40-minute daily recess requirement, schedules may vary by campus to best meet students' needs.

What might my child's schedule look like?

Schedules may vary by campus.

Oklahoma law requires 40 minutes of daily recess and allows schools to divide that time into two recess periods if needed. Each school will determine the schedule that best meets its students' needs while complying with state law.

Your child's school will share campus-specific schedule information before the start of school.

What counts as recess?

Oklahoma law defines recess as supervised, unstructured time for play.

Will students still have Physical Education (PE)?

Yes. Physical Education remains an important part of the instructional program. 

The new recess requirement does not replace Physical Education, and recess does not count toward the state's required Physical Education instruction.

Will students still have time for art, music, library, STEM, and other specials?

Yes. 

Schools developed schedules that continue to provide students with access to their regular instructional programs while meeting the new state recess requirement.

Why is recess important?

Recess provides students with opportunities to move, play, build friendships, solve problems, and develop important social skills. Research consistently shows that regular opportunities for movement and unstructured play support students' physical health, emotional well-being, social development, and readiness to learn.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Mustang Public Schools will continue following its established guidelines for outdoor activities.

Outdoor recess generally takes place unless there is inclement weather, a wind chill of 32 degrees or below, or a heat index of 100 degrees or above. During periods of severe weather or unsafe outdoor conditions, schools will provide appropriate indoor activities whenever possible.

Additional information is available on our Inclement Weather Information webpage: https://www.mustangps.org/families-students/inclement-weather-information. 

Can recess be taken away as a consequence for behavior?

No. Oklahoma law prohibits withholding recess as a disciplinary consequence.

Schools will continue using age-appropriate disciplinary interventions when needed. State law also allows schools to exclude students from Physical Education or exercise programs if they are assigned to in-school suspension, detention, another in-school restriction, or are subject to an administrative disciplinary action.

Will students still receive intervention and support services?

Yes.

Schools will continue providing academic interventions, enrichment opportunities, special education services, and other instructional supports while meeting the new recess requirement.

When will I receive my child's schedule?

Each school will share campus-specific schedules and additional information with families before the start of the school year.

If you have questions about your child's schedule, please contact your child's school