 School systems that signed up for the PRIDE Environmental Education Outreach Program are making good use of the PRIDE Education Coordinator who visits classrooms each month to lead fun activities that prepare students for state science tests and life-long environmental stewardship. From November 2007 until February 2008, the coordinator worked with 2,338 students in seven counties.
“In just a few months, thousands of students have enjoyed lessons that excited them about nature, all while exposing them to concepts they will encounter on state tests,” said Karen Engle, PRIDE President and Chief Executive Officer. “Because the lessons are fun, students are eager to participate. That means they are more likely to remember and practice what they learn.”
“We are planning now for the 2008-2009 school year, and I want to personally invite all principals to call our office about signing up,” Engle continued. “Our office is at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset, and the phone number is 606-677-6150. Our toll-free number is 888-577-4339. Our e-mail address is PRIDE@centertech.com.”
The outreach program is available across PRIDE’s 38-county service area, but steps must be taken to join. Local schools must commit to implementing the program in cooperation with PRIDE staff. There is a program fee for each county, which can be paid by a variety of organizations such as the fiscal court, city council, school board and conservation district. Bell, Breathitt, Jackson, Lee, Menifee, Owsley and Pulaski Counties enrolled in the program for the 2007-2008 school year.
The program reflects PRIDE’s commitment to showing students why and how they should take personal responsibility for the local environment. The goal is to increase children’s environmental knowledge by providing lessons tied to Kentucky Core Content and involving students in cleanup activities.
The program serves 3rd through 5th grade classes, with an emphasis on 4th graders who are tested on science in the state’s annual CATS testing. A PRIDE education coordinator visits classrooms each month to teach about a different environmental topic, such as recycling, energy, water quality, wetlands, solid waste issues and litter, and wildlife, plant and animal habitat.
The PRIDE Education Coordinator, Sara Gilbert, has been with PRIDE for four years and has experience leading hands-on lessons, cleanup activities and stream walks with students and scout groups. Gilbert earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Wildlife Management at Eastern Kentucky University and completed the Kentucky State Environmental Education Certification Program for non-formal educators.
To learn more about the PRIDE Environmental Education Outreach Program, click here.
Eastern Kentucky PRIDE is a nonprofit organization that promotes “Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment” in southern and eastern Kentucky. PRIDE works with communities to improve water quality, clean up solid waste problems and increase environmental awareness.
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