Southdown Celebrates Earth Day
in a Colorful Way
Southdown School is a fun place for students. There is always something interesting taking place and Principal Michelle Marino usually has a hand in it. This year's Earth Day is a perfect example.
"Southdown loves to take a creative approach to special occasions and Earth Day was the perfect opportunity," Mrs. Marino said. "The students made beautiful flowers from recycled materials and proudly 'planted them' in the front garden. It wasn't long before neighbors and drivers-by stopped to take a look and offer their compliments."
Students at the school have learned about the concepts of recycling, reducing and reusing throughout the year. All these lessons come together nicely on Earth Day, Mrs. Marino said.
This year's crop of homemade flowers 'grew' more than 100 blooms. "From twirling soda cans to waving paper streamers, we had all shapes, sizes and colors," Mrs. Marino said. "It was wonderful to see that some of our older students incorporated movement into their design that caught the wind and added to the excitement."
The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970 when about 20 million people across the United States participated in environmental teach-ins and related activities. It is estimated that more than a billion people in nearly 200 countries celebrated Earth Day in their respective communities by doing their part to help save the increasingly fragile environment.
Every grade in Southdown School participated in one way or another and when they were finished with their work, the garden was the most colorful in town. "It was a great project that highlighted the true theme of Earth Day," Mrs. Marino said.
Southdown's teachers and support staff members work hard to create a stimulating and fulfilling environment for is diverse student body. The more than 400 youngsters in the building are encouraged, nurtured, motivated and guided as they receive a strong educational foundation that Mrs. Marino said will serve them well in future years.