Earth Day of Service
Every year Seattle Prep dedicates one school day towards helping the Earth! Over 700 people break into small groups and head to 8 or so local parks to work with local, regional and federal environmental groups to help remove invasive species, restore habitat, and beautify local natural treasures. The day is topped off with an all school BBQ!
(FAQ) Earth Day of Service @ Seattle Prep
When is Prep’s Earth Day of Service?
Once a year (April 25, 2013) Seattle Prep dedicates a day to have the whole school do environmental service work. This is a required event. Seattle Prep’s annual Earth Day of Service. This event is a great opportunity for the entire community to come together and help our local parks and green spaces. The Seattle Prep community alone has helped restore several acres of Interlaken Park over the last decade. Our efforts on this day have helped us build a stronger relationship with our local community as well as fulfill our call as a Catholic community to care for God’s creation.
What happens during the day of Service?
There are no academic classes during the day of service. All 700+ students, faculty and staff gather into small groups and work with over seven different parks and environmental groups to help maintain and restore local parks. The service work occurs in the morning and at 12 noon the school gathers for celebratory BBQ at Prep.
What exact job will students do on the Earth Day of Service?
Students work with the Seattle Parks Department and community groups to work on a variety of tasks to enhance, beautify and maintain local parks. Jobs include removing invasive species of plants, trash removal, mulching, planting of trees, trail work etc.
Why does Seattle Prep have the all school Earth Day of Service?
Seattle Prep is a Catholic school in the Jesuit Tradition. One principle tenant of Catholic Social Teaching is Stewardship of the Earth. Seattle Prep, since 2001, has dedicated a whole school day towards this goal. The day of service connects us to the wider community while building community among our school.
What has Seattle Prep’s Earth Day Accomplished?
Over 55 acres of ivy has been removed at Interlaken park alone. Seattle Prep also has helped to build trails, bike paths, removed trash, and planted hundreds and hundreds of native plants and trees in over a dozen parks.
Is this a required event?
Yes. This day is a mandatory day for all students. If your student is ill the morning of Earth Day please contact Jason Courter (206)577-2145 to report the absence.
What happens if I miss Earth Day?
If a student is absent the school will require the student to complete the service he/she missed. The date and time will be determined by the school and communicated to the student. This service will take place outside of school hours.
What happens if a student has a physical or health related limitation?
If a student has physical or health limitations that inhibit him or her from working outside for four hours, the school will provide opportunities for students to help on campus on the 25th. Please email David Lester, Christian Service Director, dlester@seaprep.org if this applies to your student. No one should feel like they do not have an opportunity to be able to be of service on this day of service.
Who leads this event?
David Lester, the Christian Service Director coordinates this event with the help of 60 upper-class leaders, faculty and staff and parent help. The Office of Student Life (OSL) coordinates the BBQ. David Lester can be reached at dlester@seaprep.org 206 577-2274
Do I need to fill out a Consent / Permission form?
Yes, forms will be handed out to students in their Science class (seniors in seminar class) and are available at www.seaprep.org under the Service tab, click on Earth Day.
How do students and parents find out information about his day?
Information and consent forms are distributed to students in class. An orientation and educational assembly is held. In addition, information is distributed via the Prep web site and parent email.
Where is the environmental service work done?
Local parks that surround Seattle Prep: Interlaken Park, Volunteer Park, Montlake, Arboretum, Fairview, Roanoke Park. See other web links below
Why are invasive species such a problem?
Certain types of plants are invasive and dominate certain eco-systems. For instance English Ivy is an invasive species in our area. It takes over most of the area and keeps other native plants from developing. http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/animalsAndPlants/noxious-weeds/weed-identification/english-ivy.aspx
What are other invasive species?
Please see the King County Noxious Weeds web page http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/animalsAndPlants/noxious-weeds.aspx
How did Ivy get there?
Most invasive species were planted by citizens who were unaware of the impact a non native plant would have on the eco-system.
How do you get rid of ivy?
The best technique is to rip it out with your hands. Ivy has shallow roots and can be pulled up easily. http://greenseattle.org/how-to-remove-invasive-plants
What is the schedule for Prep’s Earth Day of Service?
- 7:45 meet in the gym
- Quick 15 minute assembly
- Walk to Parks
- Work in parks till noon (short break happens during this time)
- Noon – Free BBQ at Prep
- Dismissal after the BBQ in time for sports events and practice
What should a student wear? (this is a rain or shine event)
Please be ready for all types of weather and wear clothes that can get dirty
- Outdoor work gloves
- Close toed shoes
- Long pants
- Long sleeve shirt
- Rain jacket
- Water bottle
- Snack (very important to bring!)
No shorts, sandals, short sleeve shirts please!!!
A BBQ lunch is provided – what is the menu?
- Hot dogs
- Veggie Dogs
- Chips
- Fruit
- Water
What type of conditions will participants experience?
Students will work in small groups lead by both an upper-class leader and an adult. Each group is supervised by a Seattle Parks department staff person or Earth Corps member who lead the group in environmental clean up and restoration. Students should be ready for work in muddy conditions and expect to lift, pull, use tools and haul equipment. Portable restrooms are available.
If my student will have trouble regarding participating in the Day of Service? (Injury, allergic reactions) ?
Please indicate any health issues on the student’s consent form. If a student has physical limitations, including allergies, that inhibit him or her from working outside for four hours, the school will provide opportunities for students to help on campus on the 25th. No one should feel like they do not have an opportunity to be able to be of service on this day of service. Contact David Lester, Service Director dlester@seaprep.org 206 577-2274
Does the Prep Earth Day of Service count for student’s required service hours?
No, this is a mandatory service requirement for the whole school.
Is the work students do during the Day of Service dangerous?
No, all work done during the day of service is supervised by adults. Students are orientated to the work they will do.
How can I learn more?
Seattle Parks and Recreation http://www.seattle.gov/parks/parkspaces/index.htm
Interlaken Park http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=3023
Green Seattle Partnership http://greenseattle.org/
Earth Corps http://www.earthcorps.org/
Ivy Out- http://ivyout.org
Invasive Species Removal http://greenseattle.org/how-to-remove-invasive-plants
King County Noxious Weeds web page http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/animalsAndPlants/noxious-weeds.aspx
Earth Corps Volunteer events http://www.earthcorps.org/volunteer.php
Seattle Parks volunteer events http://www.seattle.gov/parks/calendar/volunteer.htm