REP All Star Coaches of the Month: Lamar Burch and Yvonne Rosario
Asphalt Green | Feb 18, 2016
Our Recess Enhancement Program (REP) brings organized, active recess to 61 public schools in underserved areas in New York City. Our play coaches are the heart of the program, creating a fun and safe environment during recess. Get to know our all-star coaches of the month Lamar Burch and Yvonne Rosario.
LAMAR BURCH
Schools: Play coach at P.S. 376K and P.S. 86K
Q: How long have you been a play coach?
A: I’ve been a REP coach for four years
Q: What are your responsibilities as play coach?
A: My job as a play coach is to organize small or large group games for children with little to no equipment during recess to keep kids active, safe, and having fun.
Q: What is your favorite part of being a coach?
A: I enjoy going to my schools and playing new games with the children.
Q: What is one of your fondest memories as a coach so far?
A: A school that I worked at had a special day where the children could dress up as their favorite hero. One of the kids decided to dress like me!
Q: Why did you want to be a part of the program?
A: I love working with kids, and the REP program gave me an opportunity to get involved in the community.
Q: What is your best play tip for others?
A: It’s just a game, no matter who wins or loses. The most important thing is that you are having fun.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: I am a professional wrestler.
YVONNE ROSARIO
Schools: Play coach at P.S. 5M and P.S. 218x
Q: How long have you been a play coach?
A: I have been a play coach for three years
Q: What are your responsibilities as play coach?
A: I teach students organized games, help school staff with transitioning from recess back to the classroom, and ensure that students are active.
Q: What is your favorite part of being a coach?
A: My favorite part of being a coach is knowing that for the short amount of time I am with the students, they are allowed to let their minds go and just be kids.
Q: What is one of your fondest memories as a coach so far?
A: My fondest moment so far as a coach was when a group of my students saw me over the summer walking to work. They were at summer camp going on a trip. When one of the girls saw me, the group screamed out my name and said hello. I walked over to them and they said, “Ms. Rosario, remember when you taught me how to play volleyball? We are all getting better at it now.”
Q: Why did you want to be a part of the program?
A: I wanted to try something new and help kids become healthy and physically active.
Q: What is your favorite REP game?
A: My favorite REP game is kickball. As a kid, my friends and I played kickball in the streets and used whatever we could find as bases.
Q: What is your best play tip for others?
A: Don't take yourself too seriously. Enjoy the moment.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: I love science and history. Music is my favorite stress reliever; I often times just dance and laugh until I drop.