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Dr. Edward L. Whigham Elementary School in Cutler Bay was the recipient of 25 indoor plants complete with special waterproof clay saucers through a program called “A Plant in Every Classroom,” as part of Earth Day 2021. The program’s purpose is to improve the health of students and educators by connecting them to nature.
Adrian Delesdernier, STEAM Liaison at Whigham, said that the prize was greatly appreciated.
“COVID really has affected school in so many ways,” Delesdernier said. “Receiving these classroom plants really lifted the spirits of both students and teachers. This year marks the 10th year that Dr. E.L. Whigham has participated in Dream in Green competitions. Last year Whigham won third place overall among all public, private and charter schools in Miami-Dade and Broward County.”
Dream in Green’s mission is to empower individuals, especially youth, to lead in the response to climate change and other environmental challenges facing South Florida since 2006. Dream in Green has monthly competitions where teachers and students engage in projects that promote recycling, water and energy conservation, green buildings and careers, pollution, gardening/planting.
In addition to the 25 plants, the school received a new banner to hang with pride and a monetary reward. Whigham’s students were chosen because they have taken a pledge and are committed to making the planet a healthier place to live by “going green,” starting one classroom at a time.
Dream in Green Lead Teacher Kimberly Clifford explained what it meant to them all.
“Receiving our plant donation/prize from A Plant in Every Classroom.org was a great way to bring smiles to both the students and the teachers this year,” Clifford said. “It helped connect the why to participating in competitions like Dream in Green. The students work hard all year in these monthly challenges and being able to simultaneously connect this prize to help celebrate Earth Day made it even more special to the students and school.
“Each year, I have a few new teachers and students share with me that they have started growing a garden at home or share the desire to start one and ask questions,” Clifford added. “This is all part of the mission, the make the Earth a greener, cleaner place for us all to live.”
Second grade teacher Adrienne Reeder explained why it was special for her.
“It was exciting to get a plant for our classroom. Last year, when we closed for COVID, my plants died. This plant makes the classroom more welcoming and it provides an opportunity for students to take turns taking care of it.”
For Marissa Hernandez, a fifth grade student, handing out the plants was a joy.
“It felt nice to do something nice for others,” Hernandez said. “All the teachers were very happy because it’s like bringing the outside indoors.”
Nique-Noriel Bustamante, a fourth grade student, also was appreciative.
“This year has more stress with COVID. Having a plant in my classroom makes me feel calmer.”
Delesdernier said that their efforts go beyond Earth Day.
“We believe in conservation education all year which is also why we have partnered up with the National Wildlife Federation and Deering Estate to learn more about our precious South Florida resources.”
Dr. Edward L. Whigham Elementary School is a GOLD Designated STEAM School. The STEAM School Designation Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) was developed by Miami-Dade Public Schools to ensure that students are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow through high-quality programs and the best teacher force in the nation.
For information visit www.aplantineveryclassroom.org and https://dreamingreen.org.
