Support from our Longfellow Community
Longfellow Community Yard Sale
In June 2013, our PTA sponsored a community yard sale in hopes of providing our school community an opportunity to reuse their household items and reduce the amount of solid waste heading to the dump from our Longfellow community.
Sharing of Green Lesson Plans @ Busy Librarian Blog
Mr. Winner led many green activities with our students and shares his "green" lesson plans on his Busy Librarian blog. Teachers and families can access his green lessons @
http://www.busylibrarian.com/2013/02/earth-pals-tedxelementary-project-part-1.html
Howard County Environmental Services
On Earth Day 2014, Alicia Moore, Howard County Environmental Services Recycling Coordinator, presented Recycling Awareness presentations to our primary and intermediate students. Then she stayed to teach our students what exactly can be recycled in our cafeteria and how to use reusable containers for our students who bring their lunch. This information was then put in to action the next day to facilitate our first Waste-Free Wednesday at Longfellow.
On Earth Day 2014, Alicia Moore, Howard County Environmental Services Recycling Coordinator, presented Recycling Awareness presentations to our primary and intermediate students. Then she stayed to teach our students what exactly can be recycled in our cafeteria and how to use reusable containers for our students who bring their lunch. This information was then put in to action the next day to facilitate our first Waste-Free Wednesday at Longfellow.
PTA Sponsored Cultural Arts Assemblies: EnviroDrum
As part of our Cultural Arts Program our PTA sponsored EnviroDrum to visit Longfellow on March 28, 2014. EnviroDrum discusses, in an entertaining style, the importance of preserving our environment, practicing the 3R's "REDUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE" and the value, fun and excitement of learning to play a musical instrument.The band uses all recycled products to create percussion based music. Our show is a high energy performance spanning either 45 or 60 minutes. The show can also be tailored to fit between 15 and 75 minutes. The EnviroDrum performance includes interactive moments wherein topics such as rhythms, beats and pitch are discussed.
As part of our Cultural Arts Program our PTA sponsored EnviroDrum to visit Longfellow on March 28, 2014. EnviroDrum discusses, in an entertaining style, the importance of preserving our environment, practicing the 3R's "REDUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE" and the value, fun and excitement of learning to play a musical instrument.The band uses all recycled products to create percussion based music. Our show is a high energy performance spanning either 45 or 60 minutes. The show can also be tailored to fit between 15 and 75 minutes. The EnviroDrum performance includes interactive moments wherein topics such as rhythms, beats and pitch are discussed.
Longfellow's 20 Minute Clean Up
In collaboration with the Howard County Department of Environmental Sustainability, our Technology teacher Michelle Baker led our school's efforts to participate in Howard County's 20 Minute Clean Up. Our students participated by getting outside for 20 minutes and helping keep our school community clean of litter and debris.
In collaboration with the Howard County Department of Environmental Sustainability, our Technology teacher Michelle Baker led our school's efforts to participate in Howard County's 20 Minute Clean Up. Our students participated by getting outside for 20 minutes and helping keep our school community clean of litter and debris.
Longfellow's Spring Walk, Bike, or Hike To School Day
As a neighborhood school our students are encouraged to walk or bike to school each and every day. Our school community celebrates our neighborhood school history and the opportunity to lessen our school's carbon footprint, by using responsible transportation methods such as walking, biking, and scooting to school each day. Each Fall, Longfellow collaborates with our PTA to celebrate Walk to School Day where even our bus riders get to walk to school for part of their morning journey. Not only did we have all of our Longfellow students participate but over 125 adult members of our learning community joined in on the fun this Fall.
As a neighborhood school our students are encouraged to walk or bike to school each and every day. Our school community celebrates our neighborhood school history and the opportunity to lessen our school's carbon footprint, by using responsible transportation methods such as walking, biking, and scooting to school each day. Each Fall, Longfellow collaborates with our PTA to celebrate Walk to School Day where even our bus riders get to walk to school for part of their morning journey. Not only did we have all of our Longfellow students participate but over 125 adult members of our learning community joined in on the fun this Fall.
STEM Night - Master Gardener Visit
In February 2014 during our annual STEM Night one of Howard County's Master Gardeners came out to teach our students about our local environment. Some of the topics covered during the 1-hour presentation were worms, soil, and erosion.
In February 2014 during our annual STEM Night one of Howard County's Master Gardeners came out to teach our students about our local environment. Some of the topics covered during the 1-hour presentation were worms, soil, and erosion.
Longfellow Book Swap
Each year, our Library Media specialist, Mr. Winner, in collaboration with our Longfellow PTA, runs a book swap program in the library and once again at our Spring Fair. Students are permitted to bring in as many books as they desire to swap for new gently used books. Our Books Swaps encourage reading and promotes going green by recycling and re-using books. It also reduces costs for families in the community, as purchasing new books can get expensive.
Longfellow Dash Through the Paths
Each fall our PTA sponsors an Annual Longfellow Dash Through The Paths. This family event helps promote physical fitness while introducing our students and families to the walking paths that lead to our school. This helps encourage our students to know their community walking paths and use them instead of a vehicle. Over the past two years we have averaged over 100 members of our school community participate in the one mile+ walk/run.
Health & Wellness Business Partnerships
Throughout the school year we have celebrated our staff with healthy treats through new business partnerships we have created with local businesses such as Smoothie King and Uno's Chicago Grill. On March 28th our staff was treated to a visit by Longfellow's "Smoothie Mobile" to celebrate our Green School Recertification efforts, MSA Reading and Math Completion, and Spring Break! Mr. Winner and Mrs. McHale toasted our Green School Recertification efforts in the picture to the left.
Recess on the Move
Parent volunteers spent time working to increase our students' amount of time engaged in "play" during recess . Our volunteers facilitate intentional, active, and differentiated games with the students during each recess shift.
Parent volunteers spent time working to increase our students' amount of time engaged in "play" during recess . Our volunteers facilitate intentional, active, and differentiated games with the students during each recess shift.
Going Green Community Spotlight
Throughout the school year our Green Team advertises opportunities for our students and families to be a part of Green Initiatives in our community. Additionally, Green professional development opportunities available to our staff are posted in our staff lounge and on our school public folder.
Throughout the school year our Green Team advertises opportunities for our students and families to be a part of Green Initiatives in our community. Additionally, Green professional development opportunities available to our staff are posted in our staff lounge and on our school public folder.