Minnesota

Summer Institute 2021: Power of Play
2021-08-24 - 2021-08-25 | Crossroads Montessori, 543 Front Ave, Saint Paul, MN, 55117
This year saw unprecedented social isolation for kids during the pandemic, causing mental health issues, a rise in childhood obesity, and learning loss. Safe and healthy play, which provides so many health and wellness benefits, will be more important than ever for children as they return to their school communities this year. That’s why we’re hosting the Playworks Summer Institute, a 2 day series of workshops and professional development opportunities for Minnesota educators to learn practical strategies and best practices for making play a pillar of their school community. We hope you can join us.
This year’s workshops will focus on Playworks’ strategies and best practices for leveraging play to:

Maximize skill development
Build positive school climate
Keep kids active and engaged on and off the playground

Workshop Descriptions:
Workshops will be held in-person at Crossroads Montessori School on August 24th and 25th. Workshops are geared toward particular target audiences and many of the workshops build on each other.
Links to register and more information about group pricing and bundles below.
Playworks will provide a clock hour certificate for participants at the end of each training. Clock hour recognition is dependent on state and district regulations.We advise you to connect with whomever does your renewal units in your particular organization for verification.

Designing A Great Recess – Full Day
Lay the foundation for designing and facilitating a great recess that serves as a maximizer for skill development and a driver of a positive school climate.
This full day workshop (4.5 clock hours) is designed for educators who supervise and/or support recess at their school site. Participants spend the day learning about the power of play, games and activities for recess, and group management strategies for the playground and beyond.
Best for: recess staff, school administrators, out of school time program staff

Recess Policy – 2 hours
Identify strategies to ensure the sustainability of a healthy recess program, including the development of a recess policy and handbook.
This short (2 clock hours) workshop is designed for educators who plan for and support recess at their school site. It is strongly recommended that participants attend the workshop with 1-2 others from their school.
Best for: recess staff, school administrators, out of school time program staff

Attending the Summer Institute
Recess Systems Package
Our Recess Systems Package includes seats for Summer Institute and provides ongoing support for staff capacity development throughout the school year. The package adds onsite coaching and weekly game ideas to maximize play and recess to actualize skill development, propel positive school climate, and foster a welcoming learning environment.
Learn More
Includes:

4 seats at the “Designing a Great Recess” workshop
2-3 seats at the “Recess Policy” workshop
3 follow up Consultative Visits at your school site
Yearlong subscription to the “Keep Playing” digital service for all school staff

Summer Institute
Individual Seats and Group Pricing

Workshop

Date/Time

Length

Individual Seat

Group Pricing

Link to Register

Designing a Great Recess
Tues. 8/24
10am-3pm
Full Day
$150
$500 for a team of 4
Register

Recess Policy
Wed. 8/25
1pm – 3pm
2 Hour
N/A
$75/seat for team of 2-3
Register

Questions and More Information
Contact Program Director Brandon Elsner with any questions or to bundle with on-site and digital services brandon.elsner@playworks.org

The Importance of Recess & Play in 2021
2021-05-25 13:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Workshop
A conversation with the Minnesota PTA, More Recess Minnesota, and Playworks
The Minnesota PTA, More Recess Minnesota, and Playworks are teaming up to hold a virtual conversation and webinar on the importance of play and recess for children as they return to school this fall.
Join us to learn about and experience the power of play, explore state-level recess policies in that shape the landscape for play, and leave with multiple resources and tools to start or bolster the conversation around recess and play in your school and community. Participants will leave with recess resources, recess evaluation guides, conversation starters, and more.
Event Details: Virtual webinar will be held on Tuesday May 25, 2021
Tuesday May, 25 from 7pm – 8pm CST
Register Here

Presenters:
Minnesota PTA:
The mission of the PTA includes supporting and speaking on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children. Facilitating the conversation is MNPTA Health & Safety Chair Nicole Patraw.
More Recess Minnesota:
More Recess Minnesota is a group of parents and educators advocating for ample, high-quality school recess. The benefits of playtime during the school day are well-documented, and state law can and should guide quality and ensure recess for all children. Presenting from More Recess Minnesota is Steering Team Member Aaron Crowell.
Playworks Minnesota:
Playworks is the leading national non-profit leveraging the power of play to transform school climate and academic engagement. Playworks partners with schools, community organizations and youth programs to provide professional development for staff, on-site consultation, trainings, and digital/free resources for educators. Presenting from Playworks Minnesota is Senior Program Manager Brandon Elsner.

Investing in Play - Virtual Info Sessions with Playworks MN
2021-03-17 - 2021-03-26
Join us for a virtual info session this March to learn about how Playworks can help you invest in play at your school to build a positive school climate that nurtures student well-being and academic achievement. We’ll explore strategies to implement immediately as well as partnership options for summer and fall. As we welcome students back, let’s build on their desire for connection and a fun school experience to boost academics, well-being and attendance. With a wide range of partnership options, staff trainings, and digital resources, Playworks can help you bridge your 2021 academic goals and your students’ wants and needs.

In each session we’ll…

Explore the strong connection between play and positive school climate and classroom behavior
Learn strategies for connection and student well-being to try on immediately at your school
Discuss various partnership options for investing in play this summer and fall

Option 1 – Wednesday 3/17 @ 2-2:45pm
Registration Link
Option 2 – Thursday 3/25 @ 4:30-5:15pm
Registration Link

Playworks MN Return to Recess Workshop
2021-02-03 07:30 - 08:30 (America/Chicago)
Return to Recess Workshop
Join the Playworks Minnesota team for a FREE 1-hour virtual workshop that will give you and your staff the tools, knowledge, and confidence to safely return to in-person and/or hybrid recess this school year. This workshop is simultaneously geared toward school administrators and recess staff – anyone involved with recess at your school will benefit from attending.
Topics covered include mapping your playground and organizing your space, group management best practices specific to the 20-21 school year, and games that work in a socially-distanced or pod recess model. Attendees will leave with multiple resources, next steps for their schools, and a thought partner in Playworks Minnesota going forward. Four virtual workshop options are available in late January and early February – get registered today!

Session 1
Monday, January 25, 10:00am – 11:00am CT
Session 1 Registration
Session 2
Wednesday, January 27, 4:00pm – 5:00pm CT
Session 2 Registration
Session 3
Thursday, January 28, 3:30pm – 4:30pm CT
Session 3 Registration
Session 4
Wednesday, February 3, 7:30am – 8:30am CT
Session 4 Registration
Facilitator:
Brandon Elsner, Playworks MN Program Manager

Let’s Play For a Generation of Impact
2020-10-07 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
How can play help kids develop, practice social and emotional skills, and get physically active in virtual or hybrid environments or in-person experiences that are COVID-19 safe?
Find out by joining Playworks and other supporters nationwide and Let’s Play!
During this unique virtual event, you will experience how play feels right now. Teachers, coaches, and kids will share their stories of the back to school journey and how play and Playworks have eased the transition. Playworks President Elizabeth Cushing will highlight the current state of the organization and our school communities, and Playworks Founder Jill Vialet will highlight her predictions for the future of play.
For almost 25 years, Playworks has leveraged the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. While historically our services have mostly been in person, we’ve transformed the Playworks experience to ensure that we can support kids and school staff in their current environment-whatever that is- and ensure they get to benefit from playing every day. We need support to be here for generations to come.
Let’s Play together to recognize this impact on the past generation and raise critical funds to support the next. Thanks to the generous support of Swapnil Agarwal for every $1 donated, Playworks will receive an additional $2, up to $100,000. If you can’t attend but still want to make a difference please donate now.
Register Now
If you can’t attend on this day, you’re in luck! We’ll be hosting a second event on Thursday, October 8.
Register for that event here.

The Great Playworks Get Together 2020
2020-03-05 18:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | Machine Shop, 300 2nd St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, United States
The Great Playworks Get Together is an opportunity for have some fun and have a conversation about ensuring all kids gain foundational skills and leadership opportunities necessary for success on the playground, in the classroom, and in the future.
Celebrating 10 years of investing in tomorrow’s leaders today.

This event is hosted by the Playworks Board of Directors

Megan Lindahl Goodrich, Community Advocate
Marc Gorelick MD, MSCE, President & CEO Children’s Minnesota
Jessie Houlihan, President, Stahl Construction
Jim Hoopes, SVP, NorthMarq Capital LLC
Steve Kelley, Commissioner of Commerce, State of Minnesota
Shauna McDonald, Executive Director, Playworks
Diana Mini, President, Shark Industries Ltd
Martin Peyer, Community Advocate, President & CEO of TADS (retired)
Heidi Saari, Experience Consultant, M Health Fairview
Mary Schrock, Community Advocate, COO, PACER Center (retired)
Dan Starkey (Chair), Senior Director, Minnesota Twins
Jaime Taets, CEO Keystone Group International
Chris Thomas, Business Continuity Manager, Allianz Life

This is an invite-only event. For more information or if you are interested in sponsoring this event, contact Chloe Czaplewski, Senior Development Associate, at chloe.czaplewski@playworks.org

Thank you to our event sponsors!

You are helping every Minnesota student feel safe and like they belong.

Laughter Champion Sponsors

Merriment Maker Sponsors

Team Player Sponsors

Corporate Kickball Tournament 2019
2019-06-14 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Northeast Athletic Field, 1615 Pierce St. NE, Minneapolis, MN, 55413, United States
Playworks 2019 Corporate Kickball Tournament

REGISTER HERE!

Want to see what Corporate Kickball looks like? Please check out our tournament video.

For more information contact Chloe Czaplewski at chloe.czaplewski@playworks.org.

See who’s playing – Laughter Champion Sponsors

Thank you to those helping to make this event special!

We Play Together Event with Registration and Waiver Forms
2018-10-27 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | Mounds View High School Stadium, 1900 Lake Valentine Rd, Arden Hills, MN, 55112, United States
Join us for this free, fun and inviting event for all ages bringing the community together

Guest speakers recognizing our amazing Junior Coach leaders from each of our Mounds View Schools
Attempting the world’s largest game of Freeze Tag for 10 minutes
Big game of Rock, Paper, Scissors Rockstar; there can only be one
Drawings and prizes

Online registration closed. Registration will be available at the event for those who have not registered.

Thank you to our event sponsors:

A special thanks to G&G Outfitters, MARS & Mounds View High School for their contributions

Fundraiser at MN United FC Game
2018-10-21 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | TCF Bank Stadium, 420 SE 23rd Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
Come support Playworks Minnesota at the MN United FC Game
Ticket rates at a discounted price
$5 of each ticket purchased goes back to Playworks MN
When: Sunday, October 21, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.
Where: TCF Bank Stadium
Who: Friends, family, and colleagues can all spend a fun day out while supporting a great organization
Click here buy tickets and enter promo code “PLAYWORKS” in the top right corner to purchase tickets! There are two price options at a discounted rate!
Buy Tickets

2018 Corporate Kickball
2018-06-15 11:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Northeast Athletic Field, 1615 Pierce St. NE, Minneapolis, MN, 55413, United States
Playworks 2018 Corporate Kickball Tournament
Registration is $1000 per team, all tax-deductible and benefitting your community
Teams are 10 – 14 co-ed players
14 teams have registered, only 6 spots remain!

Register Here!

Want to see what Corporate Kickball looks like? Please check out our video from the 2017 tournament.

Get in the Game Gala 2018
2018-02-22 18:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | Muse Event Center, 107 3rd Ave N, Minneapolis, 55401, United States
Please join us in a celebration of PLAY. Playworks Minnesota brings safe and healthy play to 43 Minnesota schools reaching 24,500 students this year.
Come ready and dressed to engage in play led by Playworks Coaches. Attire is informal.

Muse Event Center
February 22, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.
Valet parking available
Register Now

Presented by School Rockstar Sponsor Minnesota Twins

Junior Coach Champion Sponsor

Sponsorship and Benefits Information
For more information, please contact Kala Ryan at kala.ryan@playworks.org.
Make a difference in the lives of Minnesota youth by joining us and supporting Playworks Minnesota.
See how your support will help kids!

2017 Corporate Kickball Tournament
2017-06-16 10:45 - 16:45 (America/Chicago) | Northeast Athletic Fields, 1615 Pierce St NE, Minneapolis, MN, 55413, United States
Round up your team members, put on your game faces, and come out for a day of sunshine, food, beverages, and friendly play with your peers. Corporate Kickball is an employee engagement fundraiser for Playworks that gets your team out of the office and onto the kickball field for an afternoon of team building and fun. Participating teams spend an exciting afternoon seeking out the regional kickball trophy, while simultaneously helping to raise funds that support healthy, inclusive, and developmental play for nearly 7,000 children in 14 low-income Twin Cities metro-area schools.
By participating in Corporate Kickball, your company can:

Increase Employee Engagement: Corporate Kickball offers a team-building opportunity outside the office that’s inclusive, collaborative, and non-competitive.
Raise Visibility: Teams and sponsors are recognized on Playworks’ website, in its annual report, and in newsletters and other collateral.
Support the Local Community: The money raised from Corporate Kickball goes right back to Playworks to support our efforts to bring safe and inclusive play to local public schools.

Event Details:
Friday, June 16, 2017
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Northeast Athletic Fields (NEAF)
1615 Pierce St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

For more information about teams and sponsorship, please contact Ryan Berkas at ryan.berkas@playworks.org or 651.207.5285

2017 Playworks Minnesota Soiree for Play
2017-04-20 20:00 - 23:00 (America/Chicago) | TCF Stadium, 420 SE 23rd Ave, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Join Us for the Fifth Annual Soirée for Play

You are invited to our Fifth Annual Soirée for Play.
April 20, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium
The Soirée for Play is the only gala in town where you can wear sneakers!
The soirée is a casual cocktail and hors d’oeuvre recess and fundraiser for Playworks Minnesota designed to move you and your guests off the sidelines and into the game.
The event features an exclusive silent auction with one-of-a-kind items, an online auction, and includes special addresses from a Playworks principal, students, and a surprise guest speaker. See how your support will help kids!
Individual tickets are $50 each.
Company and personal tables (10 guests) are available for $1,000.
Make a difference in the lives of Minnesota youth by joining us on April 20 and supporting Playworks Minnesota.
Soirée for Play
Thursday, April 20, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
TCF Stadium, DQ Room, University of Minnesota
420 SE 23rd Ave, Minneapolis, MN
This event is now over.
Parking is available on-site in the Gopher, Maroon, & Victory Lots for $10.
The main event entrance to TCF Stadium is under the “Benton County” sign on the south side of the stadium. Enter into the John and Nancy Lindahl Premium Lobby and you will be directed to the event space. The Soiree for Play is taking place in the DQ Club Room.
Please see a map of the area for details.
We look forward to seeing you Thursday night, April 20th!
For information please contact Ryan Berkas at ryan.berkas@playworks.org or 651.207.5285

Playworks Minnesota 2016 Corporate Kickball Tournament
2016-06-10 10:00 (America/Chicago)
Thank you for coming out and joining us for our sixth annual Corporate Kickball!

Round up your team members, slap on your game faces, and come out for a day of sunshine, food, beverages, and friendly play with your peers. Corporate Kickball is an employee engagement fundraiser for Playworks that gets your team out of the office and onto the kickball field for an afternoon of team building and fun. Participating teams spend an exciting afternoon seeking out the Regional Kickball Trophy while simultaneously helping to raise funds that support healthy, inclusive, and developmental play for nearly 7,000 children in 14 low-income Twin Cities metro area schools.

By participating in Corporate Kickball, your company can:

Increase Employee Engagement: Corporate Kickball offers a team building opportunity outside the office that’s inclusive, collaborative, and non-competitive.
Raise Visibility: Teams and sponsors are recognized on the Playworks website, annual report, newsletter and other collateral.
Support the Local Community: The money raised from Corporate Kickball goes right back to Playworks to support our efforts to bring safe and inclusive play to local public schools.

2016 Soiree for Play
2016-04-28 06:00 - 09:00 (America/Chicago)
Playworks Minnesota’s 4th AnnualSoiree for Play
Thursday, April 28, 20166:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.TCF Bank Stadium, University of Minnesota Campus
This fun, interactive evening is a fundraiser like no other. You'll enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and games from the playground as you support Minnesota youth. Hosted by Alicia Lewis of KARE 11, the Soiree for Play will feature a Playworks principal, rock star student leaders, and former NBA player John G. Thomas.
Individual Tickets: $50 per person
Tables: $1,000
To purchase tickets or a table, please click here.

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Cocktail recess, heavy hors d'oeuvres and silent auction7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Presentation from special guest and keynote speaker, a Playworks principal, and local students. Coffee and desserts provided8:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.: Auction check out

Thank you to our sponsors:

For more information about tickets or becoming a sponsor, please contact Nick Boerum at 651-888-2627 or nboerum@playworks.org.

The Soiree For Play at TCF Bank Stadium
2015-02-26 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago)
Playworks Minnesota’s 3rd AnnualSoiree for Play
Thursday February 26, 2015 6:00pm to 9:00pmTCF Bank Stadium, University of Minnesota Campus
The Soiree for Play is a cocktail recess and fundraiser for Playworks Minnesota designed to move you and your guests off the sidelines and into the game. Guests will enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres and desserts while engaging with Playworks coaches in games like 4-square, Switch, and Gaga. A keynote speech from our surprise guest and silent auction will round out the night’s activities. All of this while simultaneously helping to raise funds that support healthy, inclusive, and developmental play for more than 7,000 children in 14 low-income Minneapolis and Saint Paul Elementary schools.
Individual Ticket: $85 per person
Tables: $1,000
6:00pm to 7:30pm: Cocktail recess, heavy hors d'oeuvres and silent auction 7:30pm to 8:30pm: Presentation from special guest and keynote speaker, a Playworks principal, and local students, coffee and desserts 8:30pm to 9:00pm: Auction check out, end of the program

Thank you to our sponsors:

For more information about tickets or becoming a sponsor, please contact Nick Boerum at 952-232-0471 or nboerum@playworks.org.

Join the Rock Paper Scissors Rockstar Tournament
2014-02-06 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Kieran’s Irish Pub, 85 6th St N, Minneapolis, MN, United States
*Online registration is now closed. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.*
Join Playworks Minnesota for the inagural Rock, Paper Scissors Rockstar Tournament!

Thursday, February 6, 2014, 6:30-8:30pm

Kieran’s Irish Pub, 85 6th St N, Minneapolis, MN

Compete to become the Rock, Paper, Scissors Champion
Tournament Champion will win an XBOX 360 from LG Electronics!
Drink specials include $3.00 BIG Gingers and $4.50 House Wine for participants

Bring your friends and join Playworks Minnesota for an epic night of Rock Paper Scissors elimination tournaments. Proceeds benefit Playworks Minnesota, which uses Rock Paper Scissors to teach conflict resolution in public elementary schools.

Tickets are $10. For more information, call 952-232-0471
