The distraction level is high these days. Amid all the historical hoopla surrounding the Presidential political campaigns, the NFL playoffs, and almost daily falls from grace of various sports and entertainment figures, let’s not forget the serious business of our individual and collective commitment to saving this planet.
Coming soon- around the end of January-and Earth Day, will be many events geared to focus the nation on the task before us. Richard Green, past co-president of the Parent Association has been prodding us to dialog -and more than that- to commit to doing at least one thing to decrease our energy consumption and reduce waste. Here is an opportunity to tune in to what is being planned in our community so that we may become more informed about what we can do NOW and how to do it. Please click HERE.
After selecting a venue to attend, ask your child what his/her school is doing to celebrate Earth Day. Then take your child to an event OR if you cannot make it to an event do your own screening for the family of Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth”. Remember, (in matters like these) they take their cues from YOU!
HAPPY EARTH DAY!
6 responses so far ↓
1
Ken Schwarz
// Jan 18, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Our concern for the environment is directly related to the ideals expressed in the STEP Mission Statement (see prior article below). In working to better the environment, we are not just being good citizens. Many people today believe we have a moral obligation to do so. Those who practice a religion might tell you that we are stewards of the earth and have a religious obligation to help clean the planet. In line with what I have said, and in line with Marva’s article, I’d like to leave you with some words spoken by Pope John Paul II at the WORLD DAY OF PEACE on January 1, 1990:
“An education in ecological responsibility is urgent: responsibility for oneself, for others and for the earth. This education cannot be rooted in mere sentiment or empty wishes. Its purpose cannot be ideological or political. It must not be based on a rejection of the modern world or a vague desire to return to some “paradise lost”. Instead, a true education in responsibility entails a genuine conversion in ways of thought and behavior.
“Churches and religious bodies, non-governmental and governmental organizations, indeed all members of society, have a precise role to play in such education. The first educator, however, is the family, where the child learns to respect his neighbor and to love nature.”
Ken Schwarz
2
Angel Gomez
// Feb 2, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Before the holidays I mentioned something about STEP students doing a project they’d enjoy that was science-related. What’s more scientific than saving the world? After-all, science has fixed about as many problems as it’s caused, and a lot of these are earth-related. Planet Earth is an excellent series on the Discovery Channel that really gives us a perspective on what earth is all about.
My purpose, however, is focused on the project I talked about. And I think it’s one that all of STEP students could participate in. The Biology, Chemistry and Physics of our dying world – the bio, the chemistry, the physics behind all of the environmental (even socioeco-political) happenings of the world.
I’d love to give an intro power point presentation this upcoming Saturday to give everyone an idea of what I mean. I think this addresses our environmental responsibilities as human beings, and our scientific interests as STEP students and forthcoming scientists.
3
msrich
// Feb 3, 2008 at 12:56 am
Angel,
Congratulations for making the connection between the science in school and the purpose for learning it. I would welcome your presentation to the students on Saturday on how they could use their knowledge to sharpen interest in looking at ways scientific knowledge can be put to the service of the planet. Come ready to present.
Ms. Rich
4
Ken Schwarz
// Feb 3, 2008 at 6:48 am
Angel,
If you would be so kind, please send me your email address to kschwarz@cozen.com. I would very much like to find out more about you and your ideas. I’m looking forward to our discussions.
5
Maria Pereira
// Feb 4, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Hopefully this is at the right spot……Must say that the presentation to the parents by the medical students was an eye opener on DARFUR…..All the parents should attend this as it details the proliferating effect that this is having not only on the people in Sudan, but on the rest of the world…..One life is not more valuable than the other…….All human lives are precious…..and something needs to be done to help these suffering people in DARFUR……
6
Miriam Lovett
// Feb 4, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I’m sorry I missed some of the Earth Day activities. But I did see the presentation on Dafur and I agree with Maria – it was well done! I will be meeting with my investment broker to see if any of my investments are supporting the Sudan, and if so, I will divest them out!
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