Portland

You know it’s gotten bad for recess when teachers have to ban the most common game around. That was the situation for kids at Hartley Elementary, like 3rd grader, Audrey.

Deadra Hall is holding kids back -- literally. Her arms splayed, the assistant principal blocks fifth-graders from entering the crowded playground. She makes them do multiplication tables, count by sixes and even spell a few words before lifting her arms and letting them pass in small groups.

This week, students at several Portland schools are getting something they may not experience every day — a fun, positive and playful recess.

Playworks successfully wrapped up a whirlwind of Recess Roll-Outs in Portland area schools this spring, giving principals a look at how positive the learning environment can be when recess and play at school are focused on healthy activities, even just for a few days. Playworks is expanding to Portland and will be operating full-time in eight Portland schools when school starts up after summer break.

Oregon native and diehard Ducks and Trailblazer fan Jonathan Blasher has moved back to Oregon to head the Playworks’ Portland office. Blasher will head operations in the Rose City, including hiring and supervising school and office staff, building relationships with schools, districts and community and corporate supporters and overseeing fundraising efforts and initiatives.