FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Playworks and the Community Foundation of Utah Join Forces to Play it Forward
Salt Lake City, UT—May 11, 2021—Playworks announced today that it has joined forces with the Community Foundation of Utah to offer immediate relief to Computer Science educators throughout the state with strengthening classroom experiences through fun, engaging play-based resources.
Play can help build community, foster strong relationships between teachers and students, and develop critical social and emotional skills that lead to success in and out of the classroom. For 10 years Playworks Utah has partnered with elementary schools to support educators with play-based strategies that improve both student and adult experiences at school by strengthening relationships, easing transitions, and enabling everyone to feel emotionally safe at school every day.
“Computer science educators have been uniquely challenged during the pandemic and have been doing an incredible job to build community,” said Chris Conard, Executive Director of Playworks Utah. “It is with gratitude that we Play it Forward and support them as they continue to foster relationships and develop skills in kids in our state.”
The resources available for Computer Science educators include:
- The Playworks School Reopening Workbook which offers guidance and practical tips that can be immediately applied on infusing play and playfulness in a COVID-safe way,
- Brain breaks that can be hosted by Playworks professionals directly with classes,
- Virtual consultations with Playworks experts,
- Keep Playing, a digital service which provides weekly curated games with SEL debrief questions and more.
Everyone in the state who spends even a portion of their position teaching computer science, including part-time teachers and librarians who teach a computer science course, qualify to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.
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About Playworks
Playworks is the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to transform children’s physical and emotional health. Playworks currently serves more than 61 schools in Utah, and reaches more than 31,961 students directly and through professional training services.
About the Community Foundation of Utah
The Community Foundation of Utah is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit grantmaker and serves as Utah’s catalyst for philanthropy by fostering accessible, collaborative, and innovative giving in our communities, now and for generations to come. Since establishment in 2008, the organization has fostered nonpartisan community partnership and has facilitated over $55 million in grants to Utah’s nonprofit sector. For more information, go to www.utahcf.org, call 801.559.3005, or email info@utahcf.org.
Contact:
Beth Eisen, Head of Marketing and Communications, Playworks
973-615-1809 or beth.eisen@playworks.org
