CLEARLAKE OAKS— Second grade students at East Lake School in Clearlake Oaks learned all about the importance of recycling this week as part of a special program called the “Keep Well Kids Club.” Students were actively engaged, from beginning to end, as they played guessing games, watched a video, read a book and picked up trash from the playground while sporting new cool sunglasses and fluorescent vests.
Vicki Crystal, a member of the Citizens Caring 4 Clearlake and guest speaker, said that it was critical to teach the children the importance of recycling so that they could “raise their parent’s level of consciousness”. She explained that the curriculum provided a fun way to introduce recycling and also explained the negative impact that non-recycled trash has on our waterways and wildlife.
Crystal displayed a variety of items to the students which included a handbag made of candy wrappers and plastic, a stylish purse made of 13 plastic bottles and a pencil made from money. According to their website, “Citizens Caring 4 Clearlake is a non-profit volunteer network, under North Coast Opportunities, created to rid Clearlake of litter and blight. We share the gratifying experience of promoting and sustaining the beauty of Clearlake through education and volunteer action.”
Five hundred students and 15 teachers are currently involved in the Keep Well Kids Club program. The curriculum is primarily being used at Konocti Unified School District. There have been 200 students who have successfully completed all the lessons and graduated, according to the program’s founder and creator, Joan Jacobs.
Jacobs said that each student will receive a book, certificate and golden bracelet upon successful completion of the program. She went on to say that the books introduce colorful characters that appeal to younger children, such as Josh, the recycling kangaroo.
“Our goal is to continue to make learning about health and safety enjoyable and entertaining.” Jacobs sais she was especially excited to announce that the Konocti Education Center (KEC) will be performing a play based on one of her books. The proceeds from the ticket sales will go to the KEC drama class. She also mentioned that she has partnered with Shriners Hospital and Adventist Health.
Lori Smith, the second grade classroom teacher at East Lake School, said she felt this program was important to teach her students to learn healthy habits and make good choices. Last month, the Keep Well Kids Club taught about dental hygiene. Smith said that this was especially important for her age group because they are growing in their permanent teeth.
Jessica Taliaferro, principal of East Lake School, said “Students need to learn how to live a safe and healthy lifestyle. Starting young is important.”
Prior to joining the Record-Bee as a freelancer covering education and local news items, Mary Phillips worked in education as a teacher and an administrator for 34 years
