Middle School Environmental Service Days

Fifth grade traveled to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to work on invasive plant removal.  After gearing up with safety equipment, they used loppers to cut down several species of invasive, exotic bushes that steal nutrients and space from the native species. These foreign invaders include privet, buckthorn, and bush honeysuckle. After cutting them down, they stacked their branches into huge piles, which will slowly break down and disappear. In just under two hours, the boys created over 10 of these huge piles and cleared over an acre of woodland. The only trees left standing were native oak, maple, and sycamore, and this coming summer the forest floor will spout native wildflowers which have been dormant for years. The native forest will provide a stable habitat for a variety of birds and small mammals and will even improve the quality of the nearby river. 

Sixth grade traveled to the Upper Highland Picnic Area at Euclid Creek for a day of community service, teamwork, and outdoor fun. Students spent the day cleaning trails, creek areas, and public spaces while learning about the importance of responsibility, consideration, and giving back to the community. Before departing, students participated in small-group discussions centered around the question: What does it mean to leave a place better than you found it? Students reflected on how even small actions can create a larger impact - both environmentally and socially. Throughout the day, students worked together to collect litter, improve shared spaces, and support one another through several cleanup sessions. The trip also included a picnic lunch, lawn games, and a final wrap-up celebration of popsicles back on campus. The day served as a meaningful reminder that service is not always about large gestures; often, the smallest acts of responsibility and consideration can make the biggest difference.

Seventh grade participated in a field trip and service day connected to our grade-level theme, Exploring Our Place: Cleveland Past & Present. Students visited Wendy and Edgewater Parks in Cleveland for a day of hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and outdoor exploration. At Wendy Park, students partnered with the Cleveland Metroparks to help clean the lakeshore, contributing to efforts to keep local public spaces healthy. Students then traveled to Edgewater Park, where they met with representatives from Shook Construction to learn about water treatment and overflow practices to help keep Lake Erie clean. They also enjoyed lunch and explored the beach and the surrounding landscape. The trip provided a meaningful connection to classroom learning, particularly in science, where students have been studying regional topographic maps and geology. Seeing Cleveland’s landscape firsthand helped students better understand the relationship between geography, recreation, and environmental responsibility within an urban setting.