Lower School Students Honor Jane Goodall on Earth Day | News Posts Summer Programs Lower School Students Honor Jane Goodall on Earth Day Lower School Students Honor Jane Goodall on Earth Day Rudy Brandl '83 Apr 22 2026 Lower School students joyfully celebrated Earth Day with a full day of activities designed to inspire environmental awareness and curiosity about the natural world. The day began with a special morning gathering in the Berry Performing Arts Center, where students were welcomed before watching a short film about the life and work of Jane Goodall. The program also featured lively performances, including a “monkey song” and interactive movement activities that brought energy and excitement to the celebration. Students and teachers embraced the theme by dressing in green and blue or channeling the spirit of Jane Goodall with explorer-inspired outfits. Throughout the day, students rotated through a variety of hands-on experiences. In the garden, they planted flowers and connected with nature, while others participated in a peaceful tree meditation in the courtyard. The library was transformed into a cozy “jungle,” where students read independently or with buddy classes, surrounded by music and soft cushions. Creative projects included making paper monkeys to decorate hallway vines, crafting hearts for a collaborative mural and heading outdoors to observe and sketch the environment in special Earth Day booklets. A highlight for many was taking photos in a themed Jeep station, adding a sense of adventure to the day. The celebration continued through lunchtime with a special Earth Day dessert, followed by a meaningful closing gathering in the Lower School garden. Fourth grade students shared an original Earth Day poem, while older students presented fascinating facts about Jane Goodall’s work to younger peers, reinforcing a sense of community and shared learning. The day concluded with a Spanish poem presentation, leaving students with a lasting appreciation for the planet and their role in caring for it. LOWER SCHOOL EARTH DAY PHOTO GALLERY