Do you ever wish that someone would stop and pick up loose garbage when you see it on the beach or the side of the road? Lopez Elementary students might be able to make this wish come true.
Lopez School fourth and fifth graders are offering the service of beach or neighborhood clean up to raise funds for their annual study trip to Islandwood. Islandwood is an outdoor learning center, located on Bainbridge Island, designed to provide learning experiences that inspire lifelong environmental and community stewardship.
“Students will be immersed in Islandwood’s magical, natural 255-acre outdoor classroom for four days. Lopez Elementary students, in their fourth and fifth years, have been offered this wonderful educational opportunity, and I’m very excited to be leading our great group of students from Lopez this year,” said Lorri Swanson, the Lopez Elementary science/social studies teacher.
In the past, students and parents have come up with different fundraising ideas to help make the trip more affordable to all. When parents came up with the idea of beach or neighborhood clean up, Swanson was thrilled because it combines being outdoors with environmental stewardship and community service.
Swanson and the 25 fourth and fifth graders along with their parents, have already raised $900 from Spaghetti Dinner Night with homemade pies in the fall. Their goals is to raise another $2,000 from the community to bring the cost of the Islandwood trip down to $50 per student. The trip is scheduled for April 15-18 this year.
The students, along with volunteer parent chaperones, are planning to go to various roadsides and beaches to pick up objects that do not belong there. For contributions of $125 or more, the group is willing to offer its clean-up service in a neighborhood or area of the contributors choosing. You may also donate any amount or sponsor one student for a $25 pledge. Any contribution is appreciated.
“It will be fun to work with friends on beach cleanup. And I can’t wait to go to Islandwood. I heard from older friends who have gone that it was the best field trip by far and they learned so much,” said Tyler, a Lopez School student.
To contribute or pledge your support, clip out the donation form accessible on our website, www.lopezislandschool.org. Mail donation to Lopez Island School District Attn: Lorri Swanson 86 School Rd., Lopez Island, WA 98261. If you have any questions, contact Swanson at 468-2202 ext. 2107 or email lswanson@lopez.k12.wa.us.
