Coach Miriam is a first-year AmeriCorps program coordinator at the Neighborhood House Charter School. This year, Coach Miriam has helped build a positive, supporting, and fun school environment at her school. The administration loves all of the initiatives she creates. They are consistently giving her the opportunity to be innovative. For example, Coach Miriam launched a before-school recess to get students active and ready for the school day. She noticed that some students have been eager to get to school early to participate in her morning recess. In addition, she is involving the parents of Junior Coaches by developing a Junior Coach parent newsletter informing parents about highlights, Playworks events, and great stories.
During the month of January, Coach Miriam organized a penny drive at her school to raise money for the Playworks Field Day in the spring. This Field Day gives all students the opportunity to participate in a day of fun, active, and healthy activities. The class that raises the most money earns a special Playworks prize! Additionally, Coach Miriam is working to create Alumni Junior Coach days, in which Junior Coaches from last year go outside during middle school recess to help organize and play games with the younger students. She has already created a Junior Coach mentor program, pairing current Junior Coaches with middle school alumni Junior Coaches. Finally, Coach Miriam has been working with the development team to submit a grant application for funding the Developmental Sports Leagues.
Coach Miriam continues to make excellent happen at her school by having a Recess Rockstar program. Each month during an all-school assembly, Coach Miriam announces the Recess Rockstar of the Month. This student exemplifies positive sporting behavior at recess and is recognized as a leader in the classroom. Coach Miriam is committed to the Playworks Massachusetts movement. With her enthusiasm and great passion, we are confident Coach Miriam will continue to make excellent happen throughout Massachusetts.
