Crestline students buzz with excitement over Earth Day
For the Enquirer
Students at Crestline Elementary celebrated Earth Day with handson activities and community engagement during a day-long event held April 22.
Organized by environmental science teacher Kim Smith-Johnson, the event featured interactive learning stations, including microscopes displaying microorganisms and a live demonstration of beehives from a local farm. Smith-Johnson, who teaches environmental science to grades K-4, called this year’s celebration “an exciting, community-focused opportunity to teach students about the environment.” The event marked the school’s first Earth Day in its new facility, and included support from local organizations WaterWorks Center for Environmental Education and Lucky Lop Farms, as well as two student groups from Hartselle High School. The tradition was first started by retired Crestline teacher Barb Helton, who promoted the “three R’s”: reduce, reuse and recycle.
The high school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter hosted a recycling relay game for younger students, dividing them into “Butterfly” and “Worm” teams. The game challenged students to correctly sort recyclables into bins in a fun and educational competition.
“I think my favorite part of today is instilling in the kids how important it is to clean up the Earth,” said Blaine Johnson, FFA president. “They can really make a difference.” FFA advisor and agri-science teacher Austyn Randolph noted that all participating teens are chapter officers who have served as ambassadors at all three elementary schools in Hartselle. Johnson is also a candidate for state FFA office, competing against 11 other students across Alabama.
Lucky Lop Farms, owned by Hartselle resident JC Jones, brought bees to the classroom to illustrate the roles within a hive. Six students acted out parts including queen, drone, nurse, worker, guard and forager bees, engaging their classmates through role-play and laughter.
Kelly McInnis, director of WaterWorks, allowed students to explore wetland microorganisms using microscopes and water samples collected from behind the Water-Works facility. The organization is the only former water treatment plant in the U.S. repurposed as an environmental education center, offering students a chance to explore and identify local plant and animal species.
In addition to educational activities, students enjoyed story time, crafts and snacks. Retired drama teacher Deanna Knox read The Wartville Wizard by Don Madden, using her theatrical flair to animate the tale of a magical litter-cleaning wizard. She closed with a dance session that had the children giggling and moving.
The Hartselle High Teaching Academy ran the craft station, guiding students in making recycled-straw bracelets. Seniors Addison Saunders and Reese Newton, who plan to pursue teaching careers, volunteer at Crestline daily.
Chocolate pudding “dirt cups” with gummy worms-provided by PTO volunteers and parent donations- added a sweet treat to the day. Johnson said the event remained lowcost thanks to community donations and volunteer hours.
Organizers say they hope to make Earth Day at Crestline an annual tradition.
