School is committed to the environment

Teachers, administrators, students and parents at Heschel West Day School in Agoura say green is good.

Green programs are woven into every aspect of the Jewish school, including classroom projects, field trips and special assemblies. To launch the school's commitment to the environment, students created a striking banner out of recyclable material. Children made hats out of recycled material and participated in a parade to showcase their efforts.

According to Anthea Canes, a first-grade teacher and school dean, a nonprofit group called TreePeople is scheduled to plant trees with students in a visit that will coincide with "TuB'Shevat," the new year for trees.

Later, a camping field trip is scheduled in which the students will plant additional trees.

"In Judaica class we are learning about trees," said Polly Jacobs, a fifth-grade student. "If we cut one tree down we have to plant another one to make sure there are enough trees in the world."

Last week children learned about recycling bottles and cans. Heschel students are also learning about "ewaste" and how to recycle electronic products such as old computers, printers, television sets and game systems.

Parent Michele Fuller said the Heschel programs have had an impact on her two children, Benjamin, a firstgrade student, and Lily, a kindergartner. "What I find so amazing about the recycling program is my . . . child comes home and is now obsessed with recycling," Fuller said. "It's so gratifying."

The school hosts monthly drives revolving around conscientious living. In December, students collected more than 100 coats and donated them to Casa Pacifica, a residential treatment center for abused, neglected and emotionally disturbed children.

"I was really lucky because over winter break, me, my brother and my mom got to deliver the coats,"Polly said.

Students also are being asked to collect sneakers and eyeglasses that can be reused by people who need them, Fuller said.