Activity with Music Therapist

After speaking with Kelly (Music Therapist), I anticipate that our most important activity may be our "closing" session around the big drum.  I'm sure Kelly wasn't intending to provide such an important role.  Nevertheless, I have found that our students often seem confused about the purpose of their participation in our special activities.  It is important that we provide opportunities for our students to engage in self reflection. This "closing" activity would allow students an opportunity to share their own thoughts about the day and connect it to their own lives.   Otherwise I fear that we risk having the students perform a list of activities that they percieve as meaningless and unconnected.  I am hopeful that it will encourage students to take personal ownership over their own responsibility to our shared planet. Afterall, that is the ultimate goal of Earth Day.

Lee

What is Earth Day?

We should remember the origins of the day.  There was a time, within our lifetime, when rivers caught fire and cities were hidden under dense clouds of smoke.

 

“Earth Day 1970 achieved a rare political alignment, enlisting support from Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, city slickers and farmers, tycoons and labor leaders. The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts.

Sen. Nelson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom -- the highest honor given to civilians in the United States -- for his role as Earth Day founder.”  (http://ww2.earthday.net)

 

and

“No matter when you celebrate Earth Day, its message about the personal responsibility we all share to “think globally and act locally” as environmental stewards of planet Earth has never been more timely or important. … Every person on Earth shares the responsibility to do as much as they can to preserve the planet’s finite natural resources today and for future generations.”  http://environment.about.com

~Margaret

April 23rd?

How would the morning of April 23rd work? The reason I am wondering is this. Kathy and I were discussing what will happen with the kids and the classrooms the morning of NC's. Rooms will need to be being set up, and she and I will be nervous wrecks--you probably don't want to talk to us that day (just kidding!) Last time we hosted, which Mrs. Hudziak was a part of, the kids went home early. We are now facing a Friday with way too much going on for staff setting up. Think about it, unless Thursdays are sacred to Earth Day somehow. Or, could that be a garden clean-up day or some group activity? Just wondering. Thanks.


Karen and Kathy

Earth Day Postponed

Due to conflicts with the planned state-wide tornado drill, we will postpone Earth Day activities from Thursday April 22nd to Thursday May 13th. We are hoping this day will work for everyone. Please contact me if you know of a conflict.

Lee

Save the Day

As you may be aware, Thursday April 22 is Earth Day. Mr. Byrnes has “agreed to allow me to chair a committee” to organize Earth Day activities for WSVH. It looks like April 22 will be the best day to celebrate it. I’m sure that short course students are welcome to join. Also, members of ESC staff are welcome to participate in any way they can. I’ve been doing some snooping around and asking questions to see what is possible. There is currently a meeting planned with PEPC teachers on Wednesday after school. After that, I would like to meet with other teachers. However, you are welcome to send me suggestions at any time. I have some plans in the works and some ideas that I haven’t cleared with anyone important. Nothing is definite at this time. Here are some ideas:


- a craft project involving seeds that students take home
- some students complete an activity early in the day who then lead another student through the activity later
- an outdoor walk and/or other exercise using as many Calories of energy as used when operating an appliance/computer/tv/etc
- scavenger hunt
- walk in Lustig Park
- walk through Rotary Gardens
- flag raising ceremony including Earth flag
- outdoor music/drum activity with music therapist in early afternoon
- movie/documentary in auditorium
- outdoor lunch?
- tree planting

I’ve just thought of something. Give me until this afternoon and I will start a blog accessible to all of you.
Lee Gamble
“Volunteer Earth Day Chairperson”