Elementary Students Participate in Long Island Sound Initiative

Trinity and Jefferson Elementary Schools are among 10 schools selected to participate in the Long Island Sound Schools network, committing to the protection of local watersheds, the Sound, and our one global ocean.

Given New Rochelle's proximity to the Sound, STEM teachers seized the opportunity to get involved in the Long Island Sound Study.

“We could not pass it by as we are one of the schools that is so close to the Long Island Sound and we visit it so often,” said Jefferson ENL teacher Lucia Brea, who is also a Westchester STEM ambassador. She joins forces with Bilingual School Psychologist Dr. Michelle Memoli on the project.

This is the first year for the program, which is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Long Island Sound Study and facilitated by Connecticut Sea Grant and Mercy University. The program supports schools that implement a project and create a plan to increase ocean literacy by engaging students, families, and the public.

“This will add to our students' experience with a comprehensive understanding of the local estuaries, watersheds, and the Long Island Sound's ecosystem and the interrelation of environmental factors,” said Brea.

The Jefferson teachers plan to introduce environmental stewardship across grades K-5 with activities such as assemblies, author reads, and interactive field trips to Glen Island and other surrounding estuaries and waterways off the shoreline.

“Focus areas include knowledge on the effects of litter, including plastics, for climate change, the importance of monitoring marine species distribution, and the integration of collaborative work to communicate results to the community at large,” said Brea.

At Trinity, STEAM teacher Terri Agravat and third grade teacher Denise Larkin are creating a unit for third graders that focuses on the diversity of life and ecosystems in the Long Island Sound and how humans impact the sound in both positive and negative ways.

“We would like to create awareness among our students and their families about the issues affecting Long Island Sound. By learning more about the plants and animals of the sound, we will strengthen students’ connection to it and promote conservation and protection efforts,” she said.

“The unit will include hands-on investigations, such as an oyster dissection, and field experiences, such as a trip to the Marine Education Center in Mamaroneck,” she said. “The final project for the unit will be a community outreach project focused around the theme of 'Healthy Long Island Sound.'”

“This project is a wonderful opportunity for school communities to strengthen their connection to Long Island Sound and our global ocean, inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards,” said Meghan Marrero, professor of secondary science education and co-director of the Mercy University Center for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Education.

Program funding will provide stipends for lead teachers at each school and up to $5,000 per school to implement projects. The schools will also have access to a network of educators, connections with scientists, community organizations and stewardship sites, and possible travel funds for conference presentations.

“This opens us to a network of ocean schools from around the globe and provides us with a network of people that are linked through water. We are very grateful to be part of such an amazing community,” said Dr. Memoli.