Dr. Rudy Crew Comes Out to Play with Friends at Grout

  1. Updates

Playworks recently invited Dr. Rudy Crew, Oregon’s Chief Education Office, to visit our program at Grout Elementary. He was joined by Superintendent Carole Smith, Portland Public Schools Superintendent and other friends.*

The group saw first hand how Playworks can improve the learning environment and community at schools. They also joined the Playworks Junior Coaches in a game of Ro-Sham-Bo Rockstar, experienced a class game time and went outside to catch some recess. This was a significant opportunity for Playworks to share the power of play in the Northwest.

Playworks looks forward to the opportunity of being part of the discussion in our state's educational plan.

*Dan FieldKaiser Permanente Director of External Affairs  
Nichole June MaherNorthwest Health Foundation CEO and Oregon Education Investment Board member
Matt MortonPPS School Board and NAYA Executive Director
Sue Ann Higgens, PPS Chief Academic Officer
Larry Dashiell, PPS Regional Administrator
Chris KabelNW Health Foundation Senior Program Officer 
Brian BerchtoldPlayworks Board Chair and Hubbub Health Director of Business Development
Harriette Thurber-Rasmussen, Managing Partner at Abeo School Change
Jennie Day-BurgetAccount Director at Prichard Communications
Candace Granfelt, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Oregon Education Investment Board
Karina España, intern at Northwest Health Foundation

More Updates


June 12, 2025

Play Ball! Seattle Mariners Join Students for a Recess to Remember ›

Recess looked a little different at two Seattle-area schools thanks to an unforgettable visit from the Seattle Mariners and the Mariners Training Center (MTC). Our team supported a high-energy Recess…

June 4, 2025

10 Games to Get Kids Moving ›

Kids need physical activity, and play is one of the most effective and joyful ways to make it happen. Whether it’s during recess, in the classroom, or at home, active…

March 24, 2025

How Play Fuels Academic Success ›

One of the most impactful ways to support student learning starts with play.  At Playworks, we’ve seen firsthand how the benefits of play extend far beyond recess time. When kids…