AG, ABC, & REP

At P.S. 63, the school featured in this ABC Channel 7 News story, Asphalt Green's Recess Enhancement Program has helped improve classroom behavior and the quality of homework. The program has also reduced bullying by 60 percent.

Visit ABC 7online.com to view Video: Recess as a learning tool

Recess Enhancement Program (REP)

In New York City schools, recess is often a chaotic, unsupervised and dangerous affair; bullying is common, the physical spaces are often small and neglected, and activity levels are low. Asphalt Green’s Recess Enhancement Program (REP) aims to transform this time of day into a “teachable moment,” where physical activity can happen and accompanying pro–social behaviors are demonstrated in a fun, safe environment.

REP works with upper elementary and middle schools to identify children who can become Recess Leaders. Our Recess Specialists teach them games that emphasize pro–social skills such as conflict resolution and leadership, while keeping them active and energized. In turn, these Recess Leaders teach their peers the games and strategies they have learned. The result is organic, peer–to–peer transmission of games and a dramatic increase in activity. Last year, the activity level on REP playgrounds doubled during the school year.

Begun in 2001, REP is now in 16 schools around New York, directly reaching 500 children and 2400 of their peers. Participating schools are also offered training and workshops for their recess personnel and parents are encouraged to attend as well. To support the REP program or to find out how your school can participate, call 212.369.8890 ext. 2334 or email us here.

To select REP from the Department of Education’s (DOE) Multiple Task Award Contract/Pre-Qualified Solicitation (MTAC/PQS) system, go here. Then, under “MTAC for Schools” in the center column, click on the link “MTAC/PQS for Schools.” Look for “IC510 – Student Support Services” and then select “A01 – Leadership Development” or “A07 – Recreation Sports” components; REP is listed under both.

Department of Education’s MTAC/PQS Web site