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Dr. Edward L. Whigham Elementary School in Cutler Bay placed first overall in the “Dream in Green: Green Schools Challenge” out of 92 competing schools in Dade and Broward counties. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the award ceremony was conducted virtually on May 27.
The competition takes place in three categories: Elementary, Middle and High School.
Whigham earned first place in the Elementary category and first place overall.
“The Dream in Green: Green Schools Challenge helps empower students to be able to respond to climate change and other environmental challenges,” said Adrian Delesdernier, education specialist for fourth grade. “The Challenges encourage students to explore careers in STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math].”
Students in grades pre-K through fifth participated in challenges with the help of their teachers: Lily Crousillat, Charlene Garcia, Marely Martinez, Carmen Ortiz, Nicole Barczak, Louis Saenz, Adrian Delesdernier, Dionnie DeSilva, Jacqueline Ferguson, Yamel Molerio, and Dream in Green coordinator Kimberly Clifford.
Teacher Nicole Barzcak was one of 15 teachers recognized for Innovation in Education and for showing exemplary green leadership, passion and creativity.
Andromeda District (https://andromedadistrict.com/), a Dream in Green sponsor, donated a living wall that will be installed at the school.
Clifford was excited about the accomplishment.
“Since joining the Whigham Family in 2018, it has been a wonderful experience to help our school, students and teachers grow in their ‘going green campaign’,” Clifford said. “Each year we have new learning experiences and ideas. The Dream in Green competition is a great opportunity for our students to learn how they can help the earth be a cleaner place for their future.
“It’s wonderful that DIG takes the extra effort to connect each month’s challenges to grade level state standards so these activities can be extensions to our classroom lessons. Being the top scoring school, this year has made participating even more special. We can’t wait for next year!”
The school year started with students making a pledge to be “green” and save water and energy. Some of the Dream in Green initiatives in which students participated included:
• Miami Dade County’s Every Drop Counts poster contest;
• National A Day Without Water;
• Earth Hour;
• Before It’s Too Late: 7-Day Challenge;
• On Campus Recycling;
• The Fairchild Challenge, and
• Citizen Science water testing with Earth Echo.
Students also had hands-on activities such as building water filters, learning how to desalinate water, building solar ovens, participating in the World Wetlands Day Community Clean Up, making meatless meals, and much more.
“We also received a Green Leadership Grant of $350 for Food Security,” Delesdernier said.
“The money was spent on purchasing soil, vegetable plants, gardening gloves, hoses, gardening tools and storage bags for the gloves and tools.”
Monthly challenges include: Energy Efficiency & Conservation, Water Quality & Conservation, Waste Reduction & Recycling, Green Living: Building & Careers, Alternative Transportation and Food Security.
In April, Whigham concluded the Dream in Green challenges with a virtual Environmental Fair, showcasing some of the students’ Dream in Green projects.
Dr. Edward L. Whigham Elementary participates each year in many competitions as part of Miami Dade County Schools STEAM Schools Designation. Whigham has been designated as a GOLD STEAM School in Miami Dade County.
“I couldn’t be more proud of how the teachers and students embrace environmental education through these challenges,” said principal Kathryn Guerra. “The students will never forget these experiences.”
