Community organizations, businesses, and other agencies have developed these resources for Sonoma County teachers and students.
Cool the Earth: A Global Warming Program
12/15/2008 - Cool the Earth is a nonprofit organization that educates K-8 students and their families about global warming and inspires them to take simple actions to reduce carbon emissions. Run by parent or teacher volunteers, no classroom time is required! Enroll your school and this organization will provide all program materials, support, and encouragement for:
- Kick-Off Assembly: This fun and lively event is where it all begins.
- Take Action: Families take energy-saving actions and get rewards.
- Measure Success: See how all the actions add up to make a huge impact.
For more information, check the Cool the Earth website or call (800) 474-9804.
Petaluma schools host successful Challenge Days
12/12/2008 - Imagine a community where every young person is safe, loved, respected, and given an opportunity to “be the change they want to see in the world.” That is the vision of Challenge Day, a national and international movement involving youth and their communities in celebrating diversity, truth, and full expression. Five Challenge Day events have taken place this year in Petaluma schools—three at Petaluma High and two at Petaluma Junior High.
Challenge Day is a one-day program that breaks down the walls of separation between youth and reduces bullying, sexual harassment, racial tension, and delinquency on school campuses. The experience is augmented by a “Be the Change” club where students take what they have learned during Challenge Day and apply it to their school and community life. The club is facilitated by a teacher, school counselor, and community volunteer.
Two more Challenge Days are planned for this school year, one in February and the other in March. For information, contact Petaluma’s Healthy Community Consortium, (707) 778-4951, or learn more at the Challenge Day website.
More ..Farm Bureau opens registration for Ag Days 2009
11/26/2008 - The Sonoma County Farm Bureau invites elementary school students, grades K-6, to learn about Sonoma County agriculture by participating in Ag Day tours on Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18 from 9:00am-12:00noon. Tours are free, but reservations must be made by March 2.
Contest entries – mural, essay, bookmark, poster, scarecrow, and photography – must reflect the 2009 theme: Local Farms Keep Sonoma County Green. All entries must be delivered to the Farm Bureau between February 18-20.
For information, see Contest Rules and the School Tour Registration form (pdf).
Native American Storytelling for the Holidays: Dec 13
11/14/2008 - Teachers and students are invited to Storytelling for the Holidays presented by National American Indian master storytellers. This event will be held on Saturday, December 13 from 1:30-3:30pm at the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center, 5250 Aero Drive, Santa Rosa. Although traditional Native cultures did not have a “holiday season,” elders taught values, morals, and respect for the environment and all living things through their storytelling. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. For more information, see this informational flier (pdf) or contact the Museum at (707) 579-3004.
Ocean Discovery offers classroom activities
11/06/2008 - Ocean Discovery! is an educational nonprofit dedicated to igniting student enthusiasm for science and technology through exploration and discovery of marine habitats and organisms. They offer a variety of classroom programs based on the Marine Activities, Resources, and Education (MARE) curriculum developed by the Lawrence Hall of Science and aligned to the California science standards. Programs include Rocky Intertidal/Sandy Beach for grades K-3, Kelp Forest/Open Ocean for grades 4-7, Tide Pool Touch Table for grades K-8, and an annual Student Symposia for grades 5-12. For more information, see this informational flier (pdf) or call (707) 799-7117 for scheduling and costs.