Go Green! Royal Oak Students Show Creativity on Earth Day

What a wonderful world.

Students in Royal Oak Schools set the mood for Earth Day with activities across the district today.

Students put their own creative spin on Earth Day

Second-grade teacher Michelle Crysler, of Addams Elementary, delivered grocery bags decorated by students to Hollywood Market this afternoon to remind customers to reduce, reuse and recycle. 

"Our customers love the artwork and the messages," said Frank Remlinger of Hollywood Market. "And they love that the paper bags are all recyclable."

Over at Northwood Elementary, students are taking the "10 Day Waste Free Snack Challenge."

For a 10-day period, beginning on Earth Day, teachers are tracking snacks that are brought to school in a reusable container or reusable bag.

"We also are tracking fruit snacks," said Laura Gavey, Northwood's Eco Club adviser. "The goal is to have 80 percent of students bring in a waste-free snack so we can cut down on the amount trash we create."

The Eco Club, which consists of fourth- and fifth-grade students, is in its first year and meets once a month to work on a variety of projects that promote nature and wildlife, Gavey said. The group also makes sure the school's flower beds and grounds are clean. 

At Royal Oak Middle School, art students created "Tree of Life" drawings in honor of Earth Day. Inspired by the work of Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, students used mixed media to produce their works of art.

"I am outlining my drawing with gold paint," said Alana Chandler, 11, whose "Tree of Life" included birds, animals and a girl staring out at the ocean.

"It's a good Earth Day project," said art teacher Margy Santacreu. The projects showcase individuality. "Each tree is unique."

Go green!

Royal Oak is the only district in Oakland County where 100 percent of schools are recognized as energy-saving Green Schools.

"This is yet another example of our commitment to work with our community to achieve excellence," said Superintendent Shawn Lewis-Lakin. "I am very grateful for the efforts of students, staff members, families, and community members on green school initiatives."