11th Annual NoLibs Variety Show Raises Over $2500 for Kearney Elementary

The PLAYWORKS Program comes to Kearney...

Full time coach, Coach Anna, was brought on to run PLAYWORKS, a program which teach conflict resolution through play. The Schoolyard and Lunchtime Recess is the core of the program. Coach Anna creates and monitors structured opportunities for play and healthy socialization. She also meets with each classroom once a week for Class Game Time - for a more focused activity on conflict resolution. The other three components of the program are Junior Coaches, an After School Program and some Intramural Sports activities with other PLAYWORKS schools.Some highlights of the Program:

• Children get the most out of lunch recess, returning to class refreshed and ready to learn. The program helps to alleviate petty squabbles on the yard, thereby saving precious class time when teachers would normally have to negotiate simmering issues as students return to class.
• As the District cuts more and more sports programs, students have severely limited safe, physical activity opportunities, which then has a negative impact on children's health and academic achievement. This program is an attempt to provide structured physical activity with a focus towards team effort, and safe conflict resolution.
• Teaching students how to peacefully resolve conflicts on their own is an important life skill, one that will put them on the path to success and help our neighborhoods to be safer.

Thank you to all the performers and volunteers who have helped us to continue this program a little bit longer, and helping to give our kids skills which last a lifetime! Sincerely,Jenni DesnoueeCo-President Kearny Elementary Home and School Association Ma-nama-na!