SALT LAKE CITY — Instead of a pencil and notebook, J.E. Cosgriff Memorial School students had brooms, towels, and gloves in hand to polish their school April 23. This was their way of celebrating Earth Day, which is meant to raise awareness of our role in the condition of the planet’s environment. The school was divided into 27 family groups, which are conformed by students from each grade; the eighth-grader in the group acts as a parent and leads the group’s activities. Each "parent" taught his or her family about responsibility, social justice, and Earth Day. "We learned about what we can do to take care of our environment like turning off lights and unplugging everything," said Henry Garcia, a seventh grade student. Then, the family groups started the task of weeding, sweeping, picking up trash, washing baseboards, wiping down playground equipment, or cleaning walls and doorknobs. "This teaches students the value of service, which is more than donating money or items; it’s hard work," said Kayla Smith, director of development and admissions. Students also learned they need to participate and work together to make their school and community better places, said Marissa Zuchetto, second grade teacher. Most kids would not be happy about having to do some cleaning, but Cosgriff students were glad to do it. "It is good to be environmentally friendly," said Channie McDonald, seventh grade student. "We picked up weeds. We also helped pick up cigarette (butts) for the environment. It was fun," said Abigail McGregor, a first grade student. "Everyone had a spirit of working together. We’ll do this again and expand it a little bit more," said Kay Bush, counselor. "I’m proud of their team effort to make a change for the better," she said.
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