Playworks just completed a weeklong Recess Roll-Out in Milwaukee, WI. Here’s a look at it through the eyes of Steve Fox, who coordinated the effort and the team of nine Playworks recess staff for the week there.
I love Milwaukee. It’s where I grew up, and the place I call home. It is also a city in desperate need of Playworks. Schools are shamefully underfunded and students are suffering as a result. Five months ago, I began meeting with principals and presenting the following notion: If recess is a problem, Playworks can provide the solution.
The unanimous response was, “Yes – recess is the center of most conflicts and a wasted opportunity in the development of our student body.” Resources, however, have been stripped bare, and creating budget space for such a program is a kin to squeezing blood from a stone. It simply isn’t possible.
Equipped with the most impressive collection of coaches from across the country, Playworks set out to show Milwaukee exactly what our program could do.
It didn’t take long for principals, teachers and school staff to take notice of our program.
The teachers told us:
“You guys are amazing.”
“This is the most I’ve seen these kids cooperate all year.”
“Are all of the coaches like this?”
“Please, don’t leave.”
That was day one. The progress we made in just 5 school days was truly remarkable. To say we revolutionized the educational system at our partner schools would be… spot on (modesty’s not my strength.) The following conversation happened with principals at each and every one of our partner schools:
Principal: “When you walked in my office and described your program, I was impressed…and incredibly skeptical. A lot of programs offer high impact results, but they rarely deliver.
Then, when you offered us a free demonstration I thought, “If it’s free, come and show us what you can do. We don’t have money, and there is no way we will fund your program, but thanks for the free service. It sounds fun.
When we finished a week of programming I said to myself, my staff, my PTO and anybody that would listen – this is the most important program our school could possibly adopt. I believe in the power of play, and we will find the money. By the way, can I keep the coach? They can live with me. Seriously.”
This rollout was the single proudest moment of my professional life, and I’m so grateful to everyone that made it happen, especially the coaches and my co-lead. Their enthusiasm and effort was inspiring. Thank you.
(See more photos from the Milwaukee Recess Roll-Out on the Playworks Facebook page.)
