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Staff Intern EAST LONGMEADOW Global warming has become an issue that people discuss much more often, and if everyone on the planet acted like the students at in East Longmeadow, then the problem could disappear in an instant. On April 30, Mountain View Elementary School hosted an Arbor Day ceremony and students read their favorite poems about trees or they wrote their own original poems. In addition, the East Longmeadow Garden Club presented the fifth grade students with saplings, and local dignitaries such as Clerk of Courts Brian Lees and State Sen. Gale Candaras spoke to the students about the importance of Arbor Day. The students at Mountain View enjoy caring for the environment. Prior to the ceremony, the students signed a contract which stated, "I do hereby proclaim this day as the 137th anniversary celebration of Arbor Day in the city of East Longmeadow, and I urge all citizens to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands and furthermore, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well being of this and future generations." Students believe it is essential for the world to properly learn about taking care of nature. "We've been learning about trees and how important it is to not chop them down," Jenna Phelan, a fifth grade student, said. "We won't be able to survive eventually because of the chopping down of trees, and I think it's important for people to know about this so everyone on Earth can help prevent it." In addition, Nancy Heath, the president of the East Longmeadow Garden Club, told the students that it is up to them to make the surroundings of the community and planet better. "You are responsible for the greening of America," Heath told the children at the ceremony. The school's Leadership Team worked with Mrs. Larsen, a fifth grade teacher, to determine which of the students' poems would be read at the ceremony. The committee used a rubric to decide the chosen poems. Larsen thinks that this event is spectacular, and it is a highlight of the school year. "This Arbor Day ceremony binds the community with the school," Larsen said. "The garden club becomes involved with the school, and the event is great because the children leave here wanting to make a positive change with the environment." | ||||||
