March - Women’s History Month - Celebrating Jane Goodall & Sacagawea

“Everything is connected—everyone can make a difference.” Jane Goodall

Students learned about Jane Goodall and her life of dedication to the study and protection of chimpanzees. Her favorite discovery what that “every chimpanzee has a personality all of its own.”

The Jane Goodall Institute: is a conservation organization that protects chimpanzees and inspires people to conserve the natural world and to improve the lives of people, animals and the environment.

In 1991, Jane began Roots and Shoots, a world wide youth organization that empowers youth to address environmental, conservation, and humanitarian issues facing their communities.

Students learned about Sacagawea and her incredible life as a Shoshone and Hidasta girl. Her knowldege of the land, plants and skills were invaluable as a guide and interpreter for the the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805-1806.

Buddies - Reading to Buddies and visiting the Kinder’s Rock Museum.

Saint Patrick’s Day~Maureen, Olives Grandmother, shared her life experiences, a fairy tale, soda bread, and everything Irish! Students heard what it was like to grow up without electricty, without an indoor bathroom and eating what you grow in your garden - no grocery stores! We learned about the geography and natural resources on the island, past and present. Students mapped out resources including sheep, peat, fishing and potatoes. Thank you Maureen for an informative, engaging, and tasty afternoon:-)

April - Whales, Earth Day Celebrations, and Poetry Month!

Students learned about whales, specifically the humpback and gray whales. We enjoyed learning about how whales play, communicate, sing, eat, and migrate.

Students created haiku poems and listened to a true story about a baby gray whale who was reunited with his mother with the help of a 17 year old girl in Long Beach, CA. Link to Grayson’s story: https://thisislovepodcast.com/something-large-and-wild-2/

To celebrate Earth Day 2022, Sara Hutto, Wilder's mom, created a wonderful presentation with a focus on nature's solutions to climate change. Ask your child about whale poop, kelp forests, and fungi!

During the asembly, we learned about some of the challenges whales face while migrating, including the dangers of shipping lanes. Students made a Thank You banner and a Thank You postcard for the shipping companies who have voluntarily pledged to "Slow Down" to save the lives of whales. Yay!!

Afterwards, we all enjoyed kelp smoothies by Jane and candy cap mushroom cookies. Barrett, Wilder's dad, harvested the mushrooms on campus and baked them for everyone to enjoy.

Earth Day Youth activists - students learned about youth who are using their voices to bring attention to climate issues and solutions around the world.

Watch Earth Guradians video “ I Speak For The Trees” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvo0ndNvplI

Students made posters - using their voices and words to make a difference!

Everyone can make a difference - take the 3 Minute Shower Challenge - Sing “Octopuses Garden” or “Splish, Splash I was Taking a Bath,” to shower in just under 3 minutes. You will save over 7,000 gallon of water a year:-)