Children to get upgraded recess spaces with Martin's grant

Between homework and tests, school work can be stressful. That’s why children crave recess.

While some schools are cutting recess time, that break is viewed as an important learning opportunity at Mary Frank Elementary School in Granger.

Bella Greene, a third-grader, said it’s a highlight of her day.

“You get to play with your friends and get a break from doing school work and stuff,” she explained.

“Recess is a time that all the kids can come out and have fun and go crazy,” fourth-grader Beven Langness said.

“Recess is awesome! I mean, there are so many benefits to recess,” teacher Lindsay Helman said. “Your brain gets a break, you build social skills, teamwork, cooperation, problem-solving.”

Helman applied for and won a Martin's Super Markets One School at a Time grant for her school. The $1,000 grant will help fund new designs and paint for play spaces on the asphalt.

“What I notice is that students were walking around not having much to do,” Helman said. “We have awesome equipment, but I believe that every part of a school can be used as a teachable space. And so, we wanted to take it up a notch.”

While old four square and hopscotch lines have faded, they'll soon have new painted spaces where kids can play games or create art.

“My favorite thing to draw is flowers. They're just really fun to draw, and I like designing the petals with hearts and stuff,” said Leah Schuman, a fourth-grader at the school.

Positive messages will be added too.

“If someone is having a bad day, they can read them and feel better about it,” Leah said.

If you would like to nominate your school for a Martin's Super Markets One School at a Time grant, just fill out an

.

The winning school gets $1,000 from Martin’s Super Markets, and a new winner is picked each month.