WPRI: Parents and some teachers gave East Providence school officials an earful at a meeting at the Francis School Monday night, criticizing their plan to do away with traditional recess.

Instead of the 10 to 15 minutes of free play elementary students normally get, the East Providence School Committee has decided to implement more structured activities in and out of the classroom . Each teacher will decide when the activities will take place. School officials are working with the YMCA to come up with activities.

School officials said Monday night unstructured recess can lead to fights, injuries, or some children feeling left out.

However, many parents said students need unstructured free time during the day to play.

"It needs to be 15 minutes of their time, and its only 15 minutes," said Travis Foster.

"These are our children, not yours," shouted another parent during the meeting. "We don't want this, there shouldn't be anymore discussion."

School Committee member Anthony Carcieri stood by the decision.

"The group of people here tonight do not represent the whole city," Carcieri said.

The School Committee said it would take the parents' comments into consideration.

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