Earth Day at Calhoun was a weeks-long celebration that allowed students from all divisions to be a part of the environmental movement. From writing letters to elected officials and cleaning up local parks, to making art projects and planting flowers, the events taught students about the importance of protecting the planet and how to make a positive impact.
Lower School–Early Childhood
At 74th Street, Earth Day fit into students' larger lessons about Sustainability Month, which takes place in April. Classes attended a school-wide assembly on Zoom that honored Arab American women in sustainability and taught students about the importance of community gardens, like the 81st Street Green Roof. Second graders also joined the 4's classroom and together they germinated zinnia seeds.
Lower School–Elementary
All LS-E students used Earth Day as an opportunity to get outside and get involved. They helped clean up nearby Riverside Park by raking sweetgum seeds, tackling different areas of the park's lawn. Students also attended an assembly led by Upper School students where they learned more about Earth Day and ways to take action.
Middle School
The Middle School Taking Action on Climate Change elective organized an Earth Day assembly for their peers. They spoke about the negative effects of fast fashion, food waste and plastic pollution. They were joined by Calhoun parent Eric Weltman P'25, senior organizer at Food and Water Watch, and Camille Licate, creator of Kids for Positive Change. Middle School students also participated in an advocacy writing workshop, where they wrote letters to local elected officials about why different environmental initiatives are important to them.
Upper School
Upper School students spent time in a number of different activities at school and in the neighborhood. The sessions gave students an opportunity to think about, work on and engage with the growing issues of climate change and the need for sustainable alternatives. They were able to learn about the history of environmentalism and the impact of palm oil, in addition to doing hands-on projects like screen printing Earth Day logos and preparing and delivering a service meal.