While last week was heavily focused on Halloween and the activities related to it, something occurred that was even more spectacular than dressing up in fun costumes and getting treats. It is something I would like to share with you as it points to what we are all about at Dorr Elementary, as we continue to move students in our fulfillment of a “Portrait of a Springfield Graduate.”
Over the last few years, we have been fortunate to have a wonderful relationship with the Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District (LSWCD). This has been a tremendous opportunity for our fourth grade students to learn more about their surroundings and the impact that they have on their own environment.
Several times throughout the school year, the LSWCD sends their education specialist, Jamie Kochensparger, to discuss a variety of topics about the environment. During the week before Halloween, Ms. Kochensparger shared and discussed the Enviroscape program about conservation of clean water and a healthy environment. With this inspiration, five students decided to organize a clean-up on Dorr school grounds before our school-wide Halloween Howler event. Students organized themselves during recess and on their own time to develop a program called the “Pollution Solution” and created a Google slide presentation, a puppet show and fliers to “Save our Earth!” With guidance from their teacher, Mrs. DiSalle, and after recruiting fellow classmates, they organized a litter clean up to focus on the prairie, playground, field and blacktop area.
As I shared previously, this is what Dorr Elementary is all about–inspiring students to serve as leaders with effective communication and critical thinking skills, adapting to their environment, and persevering through to meet the needs of others with integrity. These five students are future leaders and have displayed their passion about keeping our environment clean and are inspiring young stewards of our Earth. We would like to recognize the following students for their passion and sharing their journey as they move to a “Portrait of a Springfield Graduate:” Ny’Jai D., Katelyn D., Gabby O., Breanna P. and Ava R.
Thank you for being an inspiration and sharing what we are all about at Dorr Elementary.
