Contra Costa County Office of Education

Jamie Hallowell's classroom at the Contra Costa County Office of Education’s Floyd Marchus School in Concord celebrated Earth Day with a variety of projects that showcased student creativity and knowledge about environmental conservation. 

 

An array of artwork, inspirational quotes, and seedlings of sunflowers and cilantro welcomed visitors to the class, which is made up of 3rd–5th graders. Ms. Hallowell explained that the students planted and nurtured the seedlings while sharing interesting facts about the growth process and the benefits of having plants in the area. 

 

“Just as my students have nurtured their garden with care and patience, it is my responsibility as their teacher to cultivate in them a lifelong love for learning,” Ms. Hallowell said. 

 

The student artwork showcased paper cups transformed into beautiful flowers, emphasizing the importance of reducing waste and reusing materials. Students proudly displayed their creations, highlighting their understanding of upcycling and its benefits for the environment. 

 

The Earth Day projects were woven into the teacher’s lesson plans throughout the month of April to promote conservation and raise awareness about materials that negatively impact the environment. Students shared artwork and facts they learned from Ms. Hallowell and proudly displayed their creations. Large recycling containers in the classroom also made it evident that recycling is a year-round focus in Ms. Hallowell’s class, demonstrating that green practices are regularly applied by students. 

 

One impressive project is the pollinator garden students planted with lavender and sunflowers. Students explained that plants attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for a healthy ecosystem. 

 

As part of their project, the students created a one-of-a-kind Earth Day art piece for County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey, to be displayed in the CCCOE’s Ronald L. Stewart Building in Pleasant Hill.