SPECIAL EDITION!!!!!!!

"Our South Elementary 1st graders got out and worked in the raised beds yesterday! We read the book 'Dirt' by Steve Tomecek and discussed why soil is important. We also talked about all of the animals and insects that live underground and in the soil.

After reading and discussing, we went outside and amended our raised beds. We turned over the old soil, added a compost mix, and some fresh garden soil.

We found lots of exciting things! Such as carrots that overwintered from last year, centipedes, earthworms and grubs!"

- Meghan

"East School has gotten an early start to gardening this year with a small greenhouse and seed starter trays. Students have been learning how to start seeds, prepare soil, and read seed packets to learn when, where, and how to plant different types of vegetables." - Jolie Dupree

"Our students have planted tomatoes in our indoor raised garden beds and check on them regularly. This garden is an excellent hands-on opportunity for kindergarteners to experience a small part of the plant life cycle and where their food comes from. The students loved getting their hands dirty and exploring what all comes with gardening. The goal is for students to learn and have fun with the hope of taking that excitement home and convincing their families to attempt planting (if they haven’t already)."

- Ashley

Earth Day was established as a worldwide holiday in 1970 to support environmental protection. Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22nd. Teaching children about environmental pollutants and their effects on health and environment helps children feel more interconnected to the world around them. Take time to discover how different pollutants affect different aspects of your lives such as your neighborhood, the animals in your area, and your own health. Identify what populations are at higher risk or exposures. Lastly, encourage children to brainstorm ways we can prevent and solve environmental pollutants.