Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Earth Day is Saturday, April 22 and in Spring Branch ISD students are excited about science and art, while raising awareness about protecting the planet’s resources for future generations. 

At Spring Oaks Middle School, Shelley Smolen’s art students engaged in a Zoom meeting with Grant Maniér, an eco-artist focused on creating masterpieces from recycled materials, and Julie Coy Maniér, author of their new book.

During the meeting, Grant read the new book to the students, GRANT, the Eco-Friendly Artist, which he illustrated. Students learned about the importance of environmental responsibility and the role that art can play in promoting sustainable living.  

Grant also gave students a tour of his studio, where he showcased the many recycled materials he uses for his artworks including cans, bottle caps, magazines, newspapers and much more. 

Smolen’s students focused on Grant: The Jigsaw Giraffe for the recent Literacy Art Walk, where they created artwork to represent the book using recycled materials. Grant and Julie saw the masterpiece and were excited to meet with the students to further discuss the beauty of helping the planet through art. 

Earth Day allows students to learn about the various environmental issues affecting the planet. It also encourages them to reflect on what they can do to make a difference in the environment. 

“It was very engaging and motivating for students to talk with a practicing artist and author and for them to see everyone approaches things differently and there is no ‘right’ way, especially in art!” said Smolen. “It is important for them to see that materials have meaning and using recycled materials can contribute to the concept of their artwork.”

Students at Nottingham Elementary are also making an environmental difference. The Nottingham Green Knights Club meets every first Tuesday of the month to help with the school’s outdoor beautification and indoor environmental optimization. More than 75 students from pre-K through fifth grade are involved and are excited to keep Earth clean. 

“I am very thankful for our parent volunteers who take time on Tuesdays to help with the activities!” said Kelly Borally, math and science specialist at Nottingham. “It has been a wonderful experience for all and I am thankful to be part of it!” 

The students help with the school garden by weeding and harvesting. They also engage in projects to help Nottingham become a greener school. Recently, the club hosted a contest for students and asked them to pitch ideas on how to make the school a more environmentally friendly place. 

Edison, a third-grade student, won the competition by suggesting that students use both sides of their paper for all art and classroom purposes. Other ideas submitted by students included using recyclable materials for art class, collecting rainwater to use in the garden, using cafeteria waste for compost, planting trees and hosting a community trash pick-up day. 

“This is a splendid idea because it is something all teachers and students can do with a little effort to change their habits!” added Borally. “Without extra supplies or time, we can make a HUGE difference for our planet by creating less waste each school day.” 

For Earth Day, the Green Knights Club created a week of activities for students and the community to engage in that included Take it Outside Tuesday, where students built a fort, gathered sticks and discovered nature and Farmers Friday, which encouraged them to grow a flower or vegetable garden. 

Students were excited to participate in the activities and take action to make Earth a better place.