It's my understanding that recess, for elementary school aged children, is a right. Not a privilege. I received this information from an administrator in the public school system years back. Please do a Google check concerning you childrens' rights in the public school system. They vary by age so you must be specific and it's important for parents to come together and lawyer up. Also, principals are not looking out for your child's interests. They are looking out for their own career. Keep that in mind.