Oklahoma schools are preparing for the first day of the new school year, and with it comes the implementation of new state laws that parents will notice. One of the new laws requires elementary school students to have at least 40 minutes of recess each day.

Longer Recess

Many school districts have adjusted their schedules to accommodate the new law. For example, Newcastle Public Schools has added 10 minutes to the day, with elementary students now getting out at 4 p.m. and early childhood center students being released at 3:55 p.m.

Other Oklahoma City metro-area school districts are also adjusting to the new law. Oklahoma City Public Schools will start middle schools 20 minutes earlier and keep high schools 20 minutes later, with 10 minutes added to the beginning and end of the day for elementary schools. Deer Creek School District will have intermediate students start five minutes earlier and be dismissed five minutes later, while elementary students will stay 10 minutes longer each day.

Bell to Bell No Cell Policy

The Bell to Bell No Cell policy will also be fully in effect this school year. The law bans cellphones during the school day, with some exceptions for emergencies or medical needs. School districts will have flexibility in how the policy is enforced.

Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.