PE + Play Initiative Gets a Boost from Nike
BEF NEWS
PE + Play Initiative Gets a Boost from Nike
Monday, June 13th, 2022
Beaverton Education Foundation’s new PE + Play Impact Fund is growing at quite a clip since it first launched this spring. To meet the high demand for new PE and recess equipment at schools, BEF reached out to Nike for support and recently received a $25,000 grant from the Nike Community Impact Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation.
These funds will support PE + Play programming at Beaverton schools with the most need. Nike has a long history as a BEF funding partner, supporting early ideas that grew into District-wide programs, such as Camp Achieve and the Safe and Sound 4 Student Success Program (S4).
The PE + Play Impact Fund is a multifaceted approach to getting our students back on track with exercise and healthy habits. BEF will provide PE equipment to all Beaverton schools so students will have access to the tools they need to meet their physical learning goals. A phased approach kicked off this spring targeting 7,600 students at 17 elementary and middle schools; additional schools, including high schools, will be served in the coming months.
So far this spring, BEF has funded several projects serving all grade levels, from providing equipment like balls, frisbees, and lacrosse gear, to field days and after school dance clubs, and more. District educators say that with this spring’s heavy rains keeping students under cover more than usual during recess, having new items to play with on the blacktop has been a huge help.
PE + Play’s impact extends far beyond the positive physical effects of movement, it’s improving students’ behavior, interest in school and ability to learn.
“We’ve seen a major decrease in behavioral incidents at recess when we offer the lacrosse equipment,” says Andrew Ratzke, an educator at Beaver Acres Elementary. “By reducing conflict and challenges on the playground, we are not only making recess more enjoyable, but improving students’ ability to engage and focus on learning. We’re seeing new friendships form and stronger connections with recess duty staff, and students have a much more positive experience every day because of this new equipment.”
