Students in the Bloomfield Hills Schools recently participated in Make a Difference Day to help their community while trying to raise funds for an organization that keep kids fit and active in communities where recess is at risk due to dwindling staff and resources.

This year, the annual effort led by PTO members and students gathered at Bloomfield Hills Middle School over the weekend to help benefit Playworks, which promotes physical activity and safe, meaningful play at Detroit area schools.

The morning event featured play and craft station stations, like making jump ropes out of recycled materials, and a special visit from Lions mascot, Roary, and former Lions linebacker, Alex Lewis (2004 – 2008).

Playworks supports play at hundreds of schools across the country, helping to transform recess into a tool to support learning. Coaches become part of the school family, getting to know the students and staff and helping to make the playground a virtual classroom where students learn teamwork, conflict resolution, creative problem solving and other life lessons that stretch beyond traditional classroom activities. The result is a stronger learning community and a more positive educational environment, according to its website.

“Recess is such an important part of a child’s school day," said Sarah Saltzman, PTOC Community Service Co-Chair, in a news release. "It enables them to interact with their peers, flex their imagination muscles, and return to class ready to work.”

Saltzman said the goal was to raise enough money to pay for a Playworks coach for one year.

“Our students recognize how important recess is to them and they want to make sure other students can have recess, too.” she said.

These photos were provided by Bloomfield Patch reader Mary Koerner. Got photos to share with the community? Post them anytime in the Pics & Clips Gallery above.