Celebrate Spring

From the Executive Director

The start of Spring 2022 has a different vibe than last year and certainly better than March of 2020 when we were all experiencing the early and uncertain days of the pandemic. This year, I sense hopefulness in the air, a positive feeling of expectation for what lies ahead. And the early spring weather has certainly contributed to that feeling.

On April 22, most of the world will celebrate Earth Day. Although there is a tremendous amount of work still to be done regarding climate change, pollution, deforestation, ocean protection, and animal conservation and protection–to name just a few concerns–much progress has already been achieved.

In the spirit of celebration, I encourage you to do one thing to celebrate our Earth. Plant something. Pick up trash for an hour or two along a creek or beach. Take a walk or hike in one of the dozens of parks, pathways, or nature preserves that we are so fortunate to have access to and really observe all that you see. And don’t stop at just one day–make your efforts a habit for the next year!

And just as importantly, please support organizations and individuals that are working to care for our Earth and are engaged in the important work of environmental literacy with your time, talent, or treasure.
 

Living Classroom is also celebrating the launch of a new program in collaboration with the Santa Clara County Office of Education: the Deaf and Hearing Impaired Program serves nearly 50 students at Oster School in Campbell. What a thrill it was for me to watch Living Classroom Program Director Alexis Li lead a mixed-age group of students through the first of several lessons with the support of an American Sign Language interpreter/classroom teacher.

Earth Day

Earth Day is the largest secular observance in the world–celebrated by more than 1 billion people every year–and a day of action that aspires to change human behavior and provoke policy changes. Visit the Earth Day website (www.earthday.org) to learn more about this important global movement that should be a part of our lives every day–not just on April 22. 
 

Please visit Living Classroom’s For Parents page. We have pulled together activities and resources, including videos of some of our lesson activities that help nurture our planet. 
 

The Brookings Institute has published a thoughtful article about how parents and teachers can help our children.https://www.brookings.edu/research/unleashing-the-creativity-of-teachers-and-students-to-combat-climate-change-an-opportunity-for-global-leadership/.

Vicki Moore
Vicki Moore was elected President of the Board of Directors at the February meeting. Vicki is the Founder and inspirational leader of Living Classroom. Vicki has served as our President several times, in addition to being a regular Board presence for many years. The Board is delighted to have Vicki’s experience and inspiration in a leadership position once again.

Mallory Matthews
While Mallory is new to our Board of Directors, she is not a new face to Living Classroom. Mallory was instrumental in starting our program in the Mountain View Whisman School District in 2013 and continued to serve in MVWSD as Program Manager until she moved on to a new position in San Francisco. We are thrilled to have her back helping the Board and our staff as we engage in new programs and new opportunities.

More Spring Lessons

Students in second grade enjoy a “Traveling Seeds” lesson where they learn about the four methods of seed dispersal and work with their peers to craft their own seed and seed dispersal system. 

Students in Kindergarten are “Going on a Leaf Hunt.” In this lesson, students compare and contrast leaf characteristics and are introduced to the concept of surface area.

What's Growing On

March is the time to harvest asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, citrus, kale, pea shoots, radishes, snow peas, and winter squash. 
 

Before planting, check on the quality of your soil. You can purchase a tool to test the pH of your soil and then add some good nitrogen by amending your soil with compost.

Now is a great time to directly sow seeds for beets, celery, collards, endive, fennel, jicama, kale, lettuce, mustard greens, peas, potatoes, radish, spinach,  Swiss chard, and turnips.