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.