Last week, our school community truly blossomed with Earth Day celebrations, extending beyond just a single day to infuse our entire week and beyond with environmental awareness and action. It was inspiring to witness the passion and creativity of students across all grade levels as they embraced the spirit of stewardship for our planet.
The week kicked off on Monday with an insightful presentation from the Sugar Pine Foundation. We learned valuable ways to contribute to the survival of these magnificent trees, a species particularly close to our hearts here in the Tahoe region. A heartwarming highlight was a special performance by our current 7th graders, who revisited their 4th-grade selves through a charming song they had written with Music teacher Ms. Barb about sugar pines – a sweet reminder of the lasting impact of early environmental education.
Tuesday morning saw Duffield Hall buzzing with energy as our Lower School held their Earth Day celebration. Young learners enthusiastically participated in a variety of engaging stations, each offering hands-on projects and activities designed to foster an appreciation for the environment. Continuing the hands-on action in the afternoon, our 1st and 4th graders embarked on a meaningful field trip with Lower School Science teacher Ms. K., venturing out to plant more sugar pines and contribute to the reforestation efforts in our area. This trip also provided an opportunity to check on the growth of previously planted seedlings, offering a tangible connection to the long-term impact of their efforts.
The week culminated on Friday with a delightful performance by our PreK classes. Their sweet voices filled the air with songs and rhymes in support of the rainforest, demonstrating that even our youngest learners can be powerful advocates for the planet. This performance beautifully connected with the 8th graders’ earlier presentation on Green Communities in Costa Rica, where they experienced firsthand sustainable living practices during their Winterim trip in March. The students shared their insights and observations, highlighting the importance of global interconnectedness in environmental conservation.
Even the week prior to Earth Day, our Middle School Advisory groups were actively involved, taking to the East Shore Trail for our annual trail clean-up. This initiative underscores the ongoing commitment of our students to maintaining the beauty and health of our local environment.
From insightful presentations to hands-on planting, engaging activities, and heartwarming performances, our entire school community wholeheartedly embraced Earth Day. It wasn’t just a week of celebration, but a powerful reminder that environmental stewardship is a continuous effort, woven into the fabric of our school culture – today, tomorrow, and always.
