This project has had a huge impact so far, and it's only the second day of school. 182 students have been reached and engaged in a engaging games during recess times. Our Recess Team staff has put systems and plans in place to set students up for healthy play during the school day. They have also pre-taught positive expectations for recess time, and modeled these expectations. Our 7th and 8th grade students have begun our Junior Coaching program! Our recess equipment is organized, and Playworks staff have shared many resources and strategies with our school staff.

We are excited to announce that Edward Berghammer will be our first Junior Coach and will join us on the Change X Challenge Team! 175 kids will be involved in the social-emotional learning games and activities that promote inclusion and equity. We will also have a team of Junior Coaches, which will include 7th and 8th graders. Kids will also have jobs in the 1st through 6th grade classrooms that allow them to be leaders and caretakers with the equipment!

Excited about social emotional learning and inclusion with our Playworks training!

Action plan:

Timeline: We will start our project on Friday, June 23, 2023 and Monday, June 25, 2023.  We will meet monthly and more regularly for shorter periods. 

Budget: We are planning to spend the seed funding for coaching and training sessions as well as games and equipment to promote inclusion and social and emotional learning.  We are anticipating needs of $5,000 to get our project up and running.

Impact: Our community will benefit from this project because the implementation will include Playworks proven techniques for providing an inclusive environment that promotes relationship building and social-emotional learning. The measurable goals for our project include that 175 students will engage the Playworks recess model and that a minimum of 5 staff members will complete at least one Playworks training and one coaching session by the October 2023.  We are hoping to spread positive play and grow social emotional skills.

Location: The location of the trainings, coaching sessions, and implementation will be Wauwatosa Montessori School.  We have all necessary permission and permits to carry out our project at the chosen location.