(February 5, 2025) The Rochester City School District joined schools worldwide in celebrating Global School Play Day on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. This marks the second year that Healthi Kids and the RCSD have collaborated to promote the importance of play in schools across the city.
“Keeping kids active in school is so important,” said Rene Lindsay, a physical education teacher at Mary McLeod Bethune School No. 45, one of the participating schools. “When students stay engaged in the gym, it also helps them stay focused in the classroom. It wakes them up and strengthens their brains for learning.”
In preparation for the event, Healthi Kids provided participating schools with snacks, play supplies, and activity ideas to encourage movement and creativity. At School No. 45, students enjoyed a variety of activities, including cornhole, ladder golf, bowling, dance videos, Jenga, cup stacking, and even a tunnel area for crawling.
In 2024, more than 21 million children across 81 nations participated in Global School Play Day. Last year, Healthi Kids helped coordinate celebrations at nearly 60 locations throughout Rochester, including several RCSD schools.
By continuing to support this global movement, the RCSD and Healthi Kids are reinforcing the power of play in fostering healthy, engaged, and active learners.
