Following the advice of leading educators and months of research to survey the opinions of teachers and parents, Cartoon Network has formed a partnership with the National PTA and additional educational organizations to launch Rescuing Recess.

According to a recent study, some 40% of schools across the country have either eliminated or are currently considering eliminating recess, despite its benefits for kids to release energy, socialize with others and enjoy exercise each day. The CN initiative will work with kids to help save these much-needed breaks in the school day. Along with on-air PSAs and online support, more than $300,000 will be awarded in grants to participating PTA units in 50 states and the District of Columbia.

“We know many children enjoy recess as a welcome break from the classroom and parents appreciate the balance that it offers between schoolwork and play,” says Anna Weselak, National PTA President. “Children who are physically active do better in the classroom. The research tells us that even if it means a reduction in class time, providing more time for physical activity can lead to increased test scores.”

Using an online letter template available at www.rescuingrecess.com, children can express their own views about break time and let local school boards know that recess is important to them. ‘We want to arm kids, parents and teachers with tools to ensure that recess remains a part of the school day, so this is just the beginning of a larger Cartoon Network effort to empower our youth,’ says Jim Samples, executive vice president and general manager of Cartoon Network.