Harvey Elementary
Harvey Lions
Earth Day and Arbor Day Assembly
On Tuesday, April 22nd, Earth Day 2008, Harvey Elementary students gathered in the gym for an assembly about compassion to people and the planet. We all learned from our fourth grade students about the origins of Earth Day and Arbor Day. We learned things humans have done to damage the earth and a number of easy things we can do to care for our planet earth so it can continue to take care of us. The 4th grade conducted activities throughout the school to assist all the students in making symbolic bead bracelets, the cord was blue to symbolize water, a crystal bead signifies air, a green one for plants, and brown for the soil. The earth revolves around the sun causing our seasons so a yellow bead is for the sun. A blue bead represents day and a black one for night. This was the day our 4th graders received their trees from the DNR to plant at home. It was also the day we culminated our service-learning project from January which started during Kindness Week. We had conducted a change challenge that was directed to help a Harvey family whose home had suffered damage during the tornado in January. The home had to be torn down and will be rebuilt. Although the family has insurance which will cover many things it does not cover all. It was decided that a tree would not only benefit them but the whole neighborhood which suffered damages & losses of both trees and property. Besides being a symbol of life and growth, we learned that trees are oxygen factories. A single tree in one year provides all the oxygen needed for a family of 4. We gave the family a gift card for an Autumn Maple tree, delivery, and planting purchased from Breezy Hill Nursery. The nursery donated a potted peach tree to the family and they will provide discounts on other lawn restoration necessities. Mr. Brian Haag, a horticulturist, from Breezy Hill spoke to the students about related careers they might consider. The PTA also gave the family a gift card. Aiden's kindergarten class made him a quilt and we all got to see it. We raised $1000 altogether and therefore were able to donate $582 dollars to the Kenosha Tornado Disaster Relief Fund which was accepted by Linda Botts from the Kenosha County Division of Emergency Management. This week was also designated as tornado and severe weather awareness week and we were able to remind students that this family knew what to do during the tornado and they remained safe. We explained that is why we teach protective behaviors and practice safety drills so we can help them stay safe. Everyone was encouraged to be aware, and compassionate to people and our planet everyday!
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Harvey's 4th grade students explaining the origins of Earth and Arbor Day |
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| Mr. Brian Haag, from Breezy Hill's Nursery, presented the family with a potted peach tree, donated by Breezy Hill Nursery. | The Harvey family was presented with a gift certificate for a maple tree. (picture above) |
The quilt for Aiden from his class. |
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