Preschool Celebrates Arbor Day

This past week, the 3-4 year old afternoon preschool class participated in an Arbor Day celebration by planting a new tree on St. Michael School grounds. Arbor Day provides an opportunity for children and to take initiative in making the world a better place and see a firsthand positive impact in their community. It is one of the few holidays we do not celebrate the past but rather "plant" for the future.

In this spirit, St. Michael School was offered a free mature tree by William Quinn and Sons Landscape Contractors out of Alsip, Illinois. The landscape architects generously donated the tree as well as their time. During the celebration, they involved the children by reading and discussing a story about a recently planted tree. When asked why trees are so important, student responses included: "they are important to the Earth," "for shade," for birds to live in," and "to get food and apples from." Each student was then given the opportunity to shovel in several scoops of dirt before the professionals finished the job.

Planting this tree was especially meaningful to this preschool class. They are among the first St. Michael students who will attend the school for 11 years - from 3yr old preschool through 8th grade - and can watch the tree grow as they do. Classroom teacher, Mrs. Paetow, plans to create a memorial stone with all of the ‘little landscapers' names in remembrance.

St. Michael School is especially grateful to William Quinn and Sons for this Arbor Day opportunity and hopes to make this a new school tradition.