SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) – Although Springfield public schools have banned the use of keeping students out of recess as a form of punishment, officials say the age-old practice continues in some schools.

The district established the ban on ‘no recess’ as part of its wellness program a few years ago because recess keeps children active. Associate Superintendent Ben Hackenwerth, who oversees elementary schools where the ‘no recess’ practice has long been prevalent, stressed the need to end the punishment during a school official study session Tuesday.

The Springfield News-Leader reports that Hackenwerth and Jean Grabeel, manager of health services, said they have told principals about the ban on withholding recess as punishment but change is taking time because the practice has been around so long.