Whether planting a pollinator garden, wading into a stream to collect macroinvertebrates, or learning about careers in sustainability, students in the Westfield Public School District continue to benefit from important community partnerships.
On May 15, Westfield High School environmental science students enjoyed a walking field trip to Tamaques Park, where they worked at various stations along Robinson Creek to collect and test water samples, while also measuring the depth, width, and water flow of the stream. Onsite with the students and collaborating with the WHS environmental science team were members of the Westfield Green Team, the Rahway River Watershed Association, and Americorps’ New Jersey Watershed Ambassadors Program.
“We are collecting the same samples each year so that we can build a multi-year study of the park,” says WHS environmental science teacher Jeffrey Robbins, who noted that last year’s field trip was the baseline for the study of the creek’s health. “I’m very excited about the data. It will be great for the students to bear witness to the changes.”
Students in Robbins’ class also welcomed Carolyn Noble on May 19, WHS Class of 2004 alumnae and Head of Sustainability Client Engagement Strategy at Credit Suisse, who answered questions about her decision to pivot from trading futures to embracing and supporting sustainable finance as a career.
Fourth graders at McKinley Elementary School planted a pollinator garden on May 18, with the help of Groundworks Elizabeth educator Jackie Park Albaum and a “Kids Dig In” grant from Union County’s “Plant a Seed” garden grant program. McKinley paraprofessional Donna Dwyer and secretary Julie Fetter have successfully applied for the grant for several years.
“Who knows what plants need to survive?” Albaum asks the 4th graders before explaining the importance of the pollination process.
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Westfield High School student assistance counselor Christine Trottere and the WHS Counseling Department organized a Mental Health Fair on May 18 in the Dr. Derrick Nelson Memorial Courtyard during lunch periods. On hand at the fair were more than a dozen local mental health and wellness professionals who provided students with information on substance abuse, dealing with stress, good nutrition, exercise, coping with loss, and other important topics.
“We are so grateful for these opportunities to connect our classrooms and schools with parents, alumni, and other members of the community willing to share their experiences and expertise,” says Superintendent Dr. Raymond González. “The academic, social, and emotional benefits that our students and staff derive from this community engagement is invaluable.”