Principal Adam Parrott-Sheffer (Mr. P) of Mary Gage Peterson Elementary in Chicago Public Schools embodies the Playworks core value of healthy community. “We have a mechanism that families care about to be a part of this school. This is our space. This [school] is a beacon in our community,” Mr. P shares. At Peterson Elementary, parents are encouraged to volunteer as Parent Coaches during recess.
Mr. P believes strongly in adults modeling play for kids and has trained the playground supervisors accordingly. At recess, an adult plays in every game.
Believing in the power of play and the results his school has seen by partnering with Playworks in Chicago, Mr. P often shares his positive experience of making recess work with other school administrators and Chicago Public Schools staff. Peterson Elementary School’s recess program has become a model for other schools. Several inquiries about Playworks by area principals have come via the recommendation of Mr. P.
Mr. P is a principal who not only understands the value of play for students, he plays himself. Mr. P is often in a game of foursquare at before school recess, playing basketball during morning recess, or even in the muddy soccer field at lunch recess.
