Champion of Play – Mr. Nicolella

Mr. Nicolella is a Champion of Play! He is an eighth grade teacher who has supported Playworks from day one at Kearny Elementary. After our first class game time, Mr. Nicolella asked if his class could have game time more often, so we decided that his seventh graders would have it each week as opposed to every other week. Additionally, during what is supposed to be his break, he helps lead a football tournament at the middle school recess. Mr. Nicolelle has a great relationship with his students, he encourages them to get in the game and be active. He has been there to remind the students of the behavior that I expect to see at recess. He is an advocate for a healthy and safe community, and he helps the students realize the importance of play in their lives. On top of it all, he coaches the middle school boys baseball team. His hard work and support has really propelled the Playworks program forward at Kearny.