Blue Cross backs healthy play at recess

PBN Staff

04/28/2019

PROVIDENCE – More elementary school kids in Rhode Island are experiencing the power of play at recess thanks to an initiative between Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Playworks New England and the Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition.

The program, dubbed #RecessRocksinRI, has expanded to 80 schools across the state, including 26 added this year.

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Launched in the 2015-16 school year, #RecessRocksinRI now reaches 31,180 students across the state. Seven school districts have enrolled all their elementary schools in the program, including Cumberland, Newport, Pawtucket and Scituate, which joined this year.

A $140,000 grant from Blue Cross funded this year’s expansion, bringing the company’s grant total to $447,800.

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As part of the initiative, school employees review how equipment and playground space is used and learn updates to old games, as well as ways to avoid conflict, such as having students play rock, paper, scissors to solve disagreements.

School employees, who are encouraged to play with students, examine how their playgrounds are used, learn new twists on old games and are taught how to help kids work through conflict as they play. Schools receive new play equipment as part of the initiative as well.

“Recess is a necessary component of the school curriculum that positively impacts not only the physical health of children but also their social relationships, emotional well-being and academic success,” said Carolyn Belisle, Blue Cross managing director of community relations.

Schools added to the program this year: