Earth Day 2025 at Mt. View is something celebrated all month long. Before Spring break 40 students participated in a cross curriculum lunchtime hike at the Stone Bridge in Manassas. This April 10th experienceopened the students eyes to the many lessons learned in a natural environment as we examine human interaction over time. To read more and see photos open this link; https://mtviewmirror.com/a-bridge-of-learning/ April has been a time to celebrate our project based learning through the Global Classroom Project and the Get 2 Green initiative. Over the last 4 months, the Mt. View community has collected 35 lbs of plastic bags that otherwise would not be recycled. Mr. Hardy’s Government classes partnered with a local Clifton activist and their GCP peers in Vienna, Austria to host a Town Hall Meeting on zoom that kicked off a 2025 campaign of action with UN Sustainable Development Goal # 12; Responsible Consumption and Production. To read more about this project open this link; https://mtviewmirror.com/gcp-2024-mountain-view/
At Mt. View students plan and grow food, create gardens of native flowers, engage in environmental learning on field trips, and experience natural art such as the Zen garden and Mandala design activities promoted at our most recent mentor social.
The Get2Green Initiative at Mt. View integrates Science, Math, Social Emotional Learning, Economics, Social Studies, Physical Education, Literacy, and the Fine Arts to encourage learning through and in nature while promoting sustainability. At Mt. View, students grow food, plant native flower gardens, explore the environment on field trips, organize clothing exchanges, promote recycling, and experience nature’s healing power through time spent outdoors. Three new projects unveiled at our Earth Day mentor social—to support social-emotional learning—are an outdoor Zen garden, a nature mandala station, and a contemplative seating area under the pines. These are now permanent features for students to enjoy throughout the school day. For more information on this environmental learning opportunity provided across the county schools click here; https://get2green.fcps.edu/
On Earth Day April 22nd, my Environmental Science classmates and I went for a trip to the Potomac river which creates the Northern border for Virginia with Maryland and Washington DC. We went to see how pollution affects the watershed. We went to examine the water to see if we could swim or drink water from it. The Potomac River is improving in water quality because of environmental laws and awareness. We played a bingo card game where we had to write down what we saw in the water. Some examples were fish, log, airplane, bird, boat, etc. After that we ate, some brought their own food, and we were taking pictures. We discovered that the water was in good condition. The people who helped us there told us that it was only for that day because it gets worse when it rains due to pollution in the runoff. This part of the river also has two sewage treatment facilities for the city as well as Northern Virginia. In the end we went fishing, well we helped a little, and we found like 11 fish, we touched them and then threw them back into the water, after that we returned to school. Learning about an environment by being in the environment is fun and memorable. – Rosie
During the boat field trip, I learned about the importance of water resources for both the environment and our daily lives. I discovered how human activities—like the use of heavy metals, fertilizers, and the erosion of soil- can pollute rivers and make water unsafe to use. The trip helped me better understand water pollution and how littering harms aquatic ecosystems.
We also discussed ways to protect our water systems, such as conserving water, cleaning up trash, and planting trees near streams to prevent erosion and filter runoff. This experience showed me how deeply connected we are to the environment. It also reminded me that Earth Day is more than just a single event—it’s a call to care for our planet every day, especially our precious water resources.-Kim
FRIDAY 4/25 ZERO WASTE MENTOR SOCIAL
Students enjoy themed mentor socials each month. On Friday April 25th, students and teachers came together for an hour to enjoy pasta, meatballs, a variety of salads, and fresh cookies baked by the hospitality class. The entire activity was promoted to be a no waste “green & sustainable” event, with volunteers bringing in salad that avoided any disposable containers and students being served on compostable plates. Thanks to the Global Classroom initiative of our English 12 students, the school community benefited from 200 donated reusable water bottles. Water stations are set up throughout the school in an ongoing effort to reduce waste from plastic water bottles and other types of disposable drinks.
On this beautiful Spring Friday the community gathered outside to eat and enjoy the campus front yard. Students and teachers gathered in the shade of the trees; they felt the cool breeze as they created nature mandalas made up of flower petals, leaves, feathers, stones and shells to create patterns on the wooden chairs.. These mandalas were placed on round logs set up as mini tables and benches. Students learned the origins of mandala art meditation, even as some of them attempted it for the first time.This activity helps students like us slow down, notice the world around us, and work together calmly and creatively. It also teaches us about shapes and balance, and how nature can be used in art. Since all the materials come from nature and go back to nature, it’s also a fun way to learn about caring for the earth. We always feel proud of what we create, and it’s a peaceful moment that brings everyone together.–Kim
I enjoyed the mentor social alot. First I had a salad and it was good. Doing a mandala outside with a friend was something new for me. A mentor social is something special for everyone because it builds friendship and relaxation into our school day. I enjoy every mentor social at Mountain View – Carmen.
I drew on the sidewalk and enjoyed the time outside with my friends. –Angel
We went to see the garden area,; the birds that were in the garden. We went to eat some cookies made by the students and teacher Torres who gave us pasta. She is very kind. –Sheny
During the mentor social at school we played soccer outside and we had a lot of fun. Thank you so much. –Mohammad
I enjoyed the meal – Luana
Estaba jugando soccer y me diverti mucho. Estiumos jugando todos y fuimas nosotros quienes genemos solo jugaion 2 mujeres. – Rosie
I enjoyed the soccer game watching how the students played together. – Ashley
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Finally, on Wednesday April 30 students from the Environmental Science and Theatre classes went on a combined field trip to our local Walney Pond Park.
Next, they walked to the Nature Center (with only a small detour), enjoyed a relaxed lunch, and wrapped up the day with a Shakespeare in the park rehearsal. Though hot and tired, the theatre students powered through and completed their full
performance run of Love’s Labour Lost. Members of the audience included Mr. Rex Jaeschke, a Mountain View benefactor, numerous passers-by, and a couple of fascinated toddlers.
On Wednesday April 30 I went with my classmates to Walney Park. First, we received instructions from our science teacher about filling out the questions she gave us on a piece of paper. The answers were written around the park. We had a little fun wandering around, and little by little, we learned about how the place was built. After that we separated and went with the science class to a lake to do some tests and we saw some animals like turtles, fish, birds, a snake and dogs.
Then we all got together and went for a long walk, we headed to a quiet place to eat, but on the way when we were close we got lost, we came to a place where there was no exit and we turned around and found a different exit than the one we had to leave, but we arrived, we sat down to eat and after that those from the science class had to go and those from the theater class had to stay. Those of us in the drama class had to rehearse our play. We went to a small stage where we started rehearsing. It was very hot, but we still managed to finish it and then went back to school.
Zahra, a student from Afghanistan gives us the facts on Earth Day.
Who founded Earth Day and in what year was it first celebrated?
Earth day was first started on April 22,1970 and it was founded by senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin. He wanted to raise awareness about environmental issues after seeing the damage caused by the massive oil spill in California in 1969.
Why is Earth Day important?
Earth day is important because it reminds people to protect the environment, take care of nature and find ways to keep the planet healthy for future generations.
How does learning in a NATURAL ENVIRONMENT motivate you?
Learning in a natural environment motivates me because it feels peaceful and refreshing. Being surrounded by nature helps me focus better, think more creatively and feel more connected to the world around me.
How do people celebrate Earth day?
People celebrate Earth day by participating in activities like planting trees, cleaning up local parks, and supporting environmental organizations.
Why is Earth Day significant for the environment?
Earth day is significant because it encourages individuals and communities to take responsibility for the environment and make sustainable choices to reduce pollution and conserve resources.
Earth day is closely linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
1: Goal 13: Climate Action
Earth Day promotes action against climate change.
2: Goal 15: Life on Land
Activities like tree planting support land and biodiversity protection.
3: Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation
Earth Day emphasizes water preservation.
4: Goal 12 : Responsibility consumption
It encourages sustainable use of resources and waste reduction.
Earth day helps raise awareness and drive action for achieving the SDGs.
