In collaboration with the Rainforest Alliance, students from
R.V. Daniels and
Susie Tolbert elementary schools celebrated Earth Day by taking action, creating art and learning about the role we all play in protecting our Planet Earth.
The students teamed up with students from Guatemala’s rainforest to create a jaguar-themed international art exhibit to raise awareness about protecting animal habitats among the Jacksonville community. The exhibit will be on display this month in the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ Palm Plaza Cafe located in the Range of the Jaguar exhibit and will also be part of the zoo’s Earth Day Party with the Planet event.
Thanks to the generous support of the Weaver Family Foundation, the Rainforest Alliance collaborated with the schools, as well as the St. John’s Riverkeeper and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to build environmental values among Jacksonville students. As an organization working to combat the world’s environmental problems, the Rainforest Alliance believes in transforming values of the next generation of global citizens so that all people will be committed to work toward healthy and sustainable communities.
“The Rainforest Alliance curricula and partnerships have helped Jacksonville students connect their own lives to local and global conservation issues,” said Julianne Schrader, education program manager at the Rainforest Alliance. “By incorporating the curriculum into a variety of classes, the students are learning about the world while developing essential skills in math, science and reading. They now see how their actions can help conserve fragile environments at home and in far-away places.”
The principals at both schools are thankful for their partnership with the Rainforest Alliance.
“The impact this is having on the school, teachers and students is not only extraordinary, but it is opening up experiences that many students will never have,” said R.V. Daniels Principal Kimberly Dennis. “Our teachers are ensuring that students are learning about various countries and how to work together for a cleaner and safer planet.”
Kimberly Harrison, principal of Susie Tolbert, says the program has been extremely powerful for her students and staff, and has given them a new spark of energy and camaraderie.
“The rainforest has sprouted at Susie E. Tolbert Elementary! As students learned more about the rainforest, they also had the opportunity to create art, writing or science projects. These amazing art displays are a vivid reminder of endangered species, and raise awareness about the delicacy and balance of life.”
More pictures from the event are available on the
DCPS' flickr photostream.
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