Coach Henry Inspires an Inviting and Playful School Community

  1. Updates

Coach Henry is a Playworks AmeriCorps Coach at the Orchard Gardens K-8 School (OG) in Roxbury. Coach Henry is a first-year coach, but you would never guess that based on the impact he has had already this year.

From day one, Henry has focused on building community and finding ways to communicate with all of his students. Henry always makes sure his bulletin boards and handouts to students and parents are written in English, Spanish, and Creole.

During class game time, Coach Henry makes sure to connect lessons to skills the kids are learning. He is always teaching students new games to take to recess.

At any given recess at the OG, you will find at least three different games incorporating Playworks’ core values that students are leading and sustaining on their own. You’ll also find Coach Henry giving out high-fives, leading cheers, and putting smiles on students’ faces.

Coach Henry is committed to his service as an AmeriCorps member and to his entire school community. We know he will continue to make an impact at the Orchard Gardens for the rest of the school year.

Coach Henry’s Playworks bulletin board at the Orchard Gardens School, featuring recess schedules, a recess map, and Playworks’ core values.

More Updates


July 29, 2026

Case Study: A Level Playing Field ›

In Greenfield, Massachusetts, a partnership with Playworks New England helped transform recess from a daily friction point into a foundation for school-wide connection. Students gained conflict-resolution skills they used throughout…

July 24, 2026

Back to School Service Bundles ›

As you prepare for the upcoming school year, Playworks is excited to offer exclusive “Back to School Bundles” designed to transform your playground into a safe, inviting, and active environment.…

January 28, 2026

Six Signs of a Joyful Playground ›

Spotting joy on the playground is not always obvious at first glance. Sometimes it shows up in small, meaningful moments, the kind that assure you kids feel safe, connected, and…