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Several Boston-area schools are experimenting with strategies aimed at boosting physical activity during recess, the Boston Globe reports. Conservatory Lab Charter School in Brighton has hired a coach to organize activities such as tag, kickball, capture the flag and other games during the 30-minute recess period. The coach also oversees gym classes and after-school programs. Several schools in Worcester enlist college athletes to lead recess activities. Schools that have implemented more comprehensive recess activities report that such activities have reduced discipline problems on the playground and taught children how to entertain themselves without relying on computers, television or videogames. In recent years, some educators have advocated that recess be replaced with more classroom time in an effort to boost student scores on standardized tests and help conserve budgets. However, the Parent Teacher Association and the Cartoon Network launched the Rescuing Recess program several years ago, which aims to reinstate or extend recess time in schools (Vaznis, Boston Globe, 9/8/09 [registration required]).