WATER CONSERVATION

St. Mary's Episcopal Day School adopted a "water" theme in the fall of 2006, to begin to emphasize to our students and whole community the importance and fragility of this critical natural resource. Donations were collected all year to support water wells in drought stricken areas of Africa. Water prayers were authored and shared in chapel every week. The water theme was woven into our curriculum, and events and projects were organized to emphasize the theme. The school community hopes to continue supporting the idea of water conservation in years to come. Below are a few examples of St. Mary's effort to raise awareness in this way.

5th Grade Water Poetry

A living mirror
hot and cold
fish love to swim in it
birds walk in it to cool off
people snorkel and swim
but
some people pollute
it's up to us
to save the
water
~ Michael Byrd
 

When I see water I think of a cool stream,
Or maybe a might river filled with fish.
Maybe a stone fountain where you make a wish
A deep blue sea with whales and sharks,
And its deep depths where it is very dark.
Tiny raindrops on your sleeve,
Or small drops of dew on baby green leaves.
But most of all water makes me think of all kinds of life.
~ Abby Scott

I dive in the ocean
I see so many things
salmon
shrimp
even sharks
coral
clownfish
octopus
whales
sea horses
dolphins
sting rays
turtles
What's that
in the back
a baby manatee
with his mom and dad
eating grass together
what a beautiful sight to see.
~ Margo Ennis

Water o water, how do you stand all those animals
swimming in your hand?
You have fish and plants
All different ones
You have flounders and eels
They all eat different meals
Water o water how do you stand
All these fish in clusters
Clusters of red
Clusters of orange
You have all different fish
Swimming in my head
Some are fed, some are not
If I were you my head
would be in a knot
 Water o water, how do you stand
 All these different animals
 Swimming in the palm of your hand
~McKenna Peterson

Water Conservation & Recycling

Thursday, April 12th, 2007 ~ At the beginning of the academic year, "Water" was introduced as a school wide theme. Students have explored the ways water is crucial to life on Earth, and how they can conserve this resource and help provide it for others. Barrels were decorated and placed around campus to catch rainfall for watering plants on the grounds. A watering can placed in chapel serves to hold contributions for building a well in Africa where clean water is severely limited. Students have written prayers for water we share during morning services, and Easter mite boxes will be added to the well building fund. The student council has just announced their plan to begin a recycling effort at St. Mary's, taking an important step to help our school continue to move towards focus on planet sustainability.

7th Grade Keys Trip

April 1st-4th the seventh grade took a four day adventure to Sea Camp on Big Pine Key. This trip, which compliments their science studies, and the school wide water theme, allows first hand observation and exploration of the ocean life they have been studying in the classroom. It is a "St. Mary's Favorite" trip for many, and this year was no exception. Everyone came home with lots of stories from a great trip.

March 27th Surprise Trip to the Florida Aquarium

Everyone was delighted this morning when Mr. Laird announced on "Saints at Eight" that the whole school was going to the Florida Aquarium for a half day. We all boarded buses for the short ride and enjoyed viewing aquatic animal and plant life and learning about conservation in keeping with our water theme this year. What treat a for the first day back from Spring Break!  

   7th Grade Canoe Trip

7th Graders enjoyed a day off from school as they canoed down the Hillsborough River and relaxed at Sergeant's Park on October 13th. As water quality and conservation are being emphasized school wide, students were able to experience first hand the importance of these issues to our quality of life. 

MOSI Assembly in St. Mary's Hall

The Museum of Science and Industry sent their "Marine Gang" on Friday, September 15th to share with students the importance of our water supply. Special guests helped illustrate the ideas of conservation and pollution prevention.