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Dr. Rocío Rivas Board Member |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2024
CONTACT
Alejandra Ramirez-Zarate, (818) 270-3875, t.ramirezzarate@lausd.net
Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education Champions Play Equity and Celebrates “Play Day”
Resolution Affirms Commitment to Physical Activity, Well-being, and Equitable Access to Sports and Play for All Students
Los Angeles, CA (June 18, 2024) – The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education today approved a resolution to champion policies and practices that promote equitable access to sports, play, and movement opportunities for all students. The resolution, authored by Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas and co-sponsored by Board Member Nick Melvoin, designates June 29, 2024, as “Play Day” and encourages all District students and families to join the celebration.
Recognizing the importance of play for positive youth development, health, and academic success, this resolution aims to address inequities in access to play, particularly for youth of color. The resolution also emphasizes the District's commitment to creating safe and healthy learning environments that promote joy and wellness.
The Board directs the Superintendent to utilize and promote resources through the District’s Summer of Learning summer school programming, as well as Los Angeles County and Los Angeles City programs, to support “Play Day” on June 29, 2024, and to champion equitable access to sports, play, and movement opportunities for all students throughout the year.
Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said, “Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of play. By championing play equity, we are investing in the health, well-being, and academic success of all our students. Play Day is a celebration of this commitment and a reminder of the power of play to transform lives.”
Co-sponsor Board Member Nick Melvoin said, “Kids of all ages learn through play, and sometimes we adults forget how beneficial it is for fostering creativity, imagination, and social skills. I'm glad to be a cosponsor and look forward to continuing to promote the importance of play in a child’s growth and development.”
Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said, “Fostering healthy learning environments is essential to the joy and well-being of our students. That is why Los Angeles Unified encourages physical activity and sports involvement as a pillar of academic success and creative growth. I am pleased to lead a district that is not only supporting Play Day on June 29th, but play equity throughout the year.”
Board President Jackie Goldberg said, “Sports and physical activity were a big part of my life growing up in LAUSD schools. They are an important outlet for many students, both for their physical and mental wellbeing. I strongly support this Resolution by Board Member Rivas and Board Member Melvoin to create a day focused on increasing access to sports – and celebrating the joy of play!”
Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said, “I am happy to co-sponsor this resolution to commemorate and promote Play Day, to highlight the importance of equitable practices when it comes to accessible recreational areas,” said Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson. “At LAUSD, we care deeply for sports and recreation but also work on making these issues more inclusive for all children. I invite all LA Unified families to get involved on June 29 by going outside and spending some quality time with their loved ones.”
Board Member George J. McKenna III said, “I encourage the community to join us on June 29, 2024, for the Play Day Block Party in West Adams to decrease the “play equity gap” and promote the importance of sports, play, and movement for all kids, regardless of background.”
Board Member Kelly Gonez said, “I am proud to support every student's right to play, learn, and grow through equitable access to sports and movement. I look forward to celebrating joy and continuing to advocate for inclusivity in our physical activity and spaces for all families.”
Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said, “Every child deserves the chance to participate in sports and have access to meaningful play and movement, especially in our underrepresented communities. Together, let’s close the play equity gap and celebrate the joy of sports and play all year long!”
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