A Tree Grows in Huntington
Arbor Day was celebrated in splendid fashion at Jack Abrams Intermediate School as students planted a Magnolia tree on the front lawn as a lasting symbol of their love and concern for a healthy environment.
The day’s activities were co-sponsored by the school’s PTA and student council organization, which goes by the acronym HSLO (Husky Student Leadership Organization.) Over the course of the week leading up to the big day, teachers engaged students in Arbor Day trivia and environmentally themed lessons.
HSLO donated the Magnolia tree with monies it raised through its school store. The group hopes the tree serves to inspire others through the years who gaze upon it of sit under its leafy branches to be environmentally friendly in thought, word and deed.
Excitement was clearly in the air on one of the first warm spring afternoons as the tree went into the ground. School librarian Patricia Dillon read a poem aimed at encouraging students to see and experience the awe of nature in everyday life, from the beauty of trees to all living things.
Teacher Heather Barfuss and her fourth grade class created a giant ecology flag, which was unfurled and presented to the entire student body on the school’s front lawn during the tree planting ceremony.
Principal Mary Stokkers and Scott Armyn, the dean of students, led students through a pledge to do their part taking care of the Earth and then challenged them with tree trivia before asking the youngsters to close their eyes and think about a contribution they could make over the weekend to care for the world they live in.
Teachers brought special items along to care for the tree and engaged their students in discussions about the environment all through the week and even during the formal ceremony. Students were later sent home with a list compiled by PTA members of town, county and state parks on Long Island. The youngsters and their families are encouraged to visit the sites for some “outdoor time” together.
“This school-wide celebration was empowering as children learned that people of all ages can make a huge difference in their environments by taking active steps to care for the world around them,” said Rebecca Sanin, PTA president.
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