Tangier Smith Elementary School recently hosted a “Go Green, Go Global” family night to celebrate Earth Day! The evening was filled with many activities and presentations for students and families to participate in, all of which highlighted the beauty of the Earth as well as ways we can help keep it clean. Additionally, Tangier Smith collected more than 200 pairs of socks as an entrance fee that will be donated to students in need throughout the school year, particularly the colder months.

One of the activities taking place at the event featured the transformation of several classrooms into various biomes for open exploration. Teachers worked hard to decorate their classrooms and wear thematic attire based around many of Earth’s breathtaking biomes, including a rainforest, African savannah, ocean, grassland and Arctic! In these biomes, students and families participated in scavenger hunts, discovered what makes each biome so special, and learned how to protect them.

As part of the evening’s presentations, the founder and executive director of the Balloon Mission, Cynthia Seibold, was in attendance to educate students and families about the environmental harm that can be caused by the irresponsible releasing and/or disposal of balloons. This group seeks to combat this harm by encouraging alternatives to intentional balloon releases and by working to give the public a way to recycle balloon debris. After learning about the Balloon Mission, students, staff and PTO members signed a pledge to place any of their balloon debris from events either at home or at the school into a balloon recycling bin that was donated to Tangier Smith. The organization also brought in books and crafts that educated the students on the importance of proper balloon disposal.

Students and families also enjoyed a presentation of Prismatic Magic’s Laser Safari, a one-of-a-kind adventure through the African Serengeti and South American Amazon guided by one of Prismatic Magic’s professional science educators. The show uses laser light animations and music videos to share facts about each ecosystem and bring to life the animals that inhabit them.

Other activities taking place included a live habitat walkthrough, an Earth Day meditation room, and an opportunity to enjoy crafts and snacks in the cafeteria. Students and families had a fantastic time participating in all of the many Earth Day-themed activities arranged by the dedicated Tangier Smith teachers and staff!