As the school year comes to a close, we are grateful, inspired, and honestly a little amazed by all that the students, teachers, families, and community partners have brought to life this year so far.
Across Massachusetts, from the Berkshires to Waltham, from Sunderland to Framingham, young people have been exploring what it means to care for their communities and their future. They researched composting, pollinators, native plants, clean energy, plastic pollution, classroom cooling, and so much more. They have created art, built projects, asked big questions, and shared practical solutions with the adults around them. Read more below!
A Conversation with Ron St. Amand
Ron St. Amand, Springfield’s science director, has been a partner of Cooler Communities from the beginning. We are grateful for his vision and steady support, which have helped shape the evolution of Cooler Communities events in Springfield. In a recent interview, Ron described how these gatherings have grown from student presentations into something much larger: a living exchange between schools, families, community partners, and the wider public. His reflections remind us that climate education is most powerful when students are not only learning about solutions, but also practicing how to communicate, collaborate, and take part in the future of their own communities. Ron has been a true partner in helping this work become more connected, more meaningful, and more rooted in the lives of students.
Interview with Ron
How Shall We Live?
Student Climate Art Show in Williamstown, Pittsfield and Sheffield
After a beautiful opening at the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown this spring, “How Shall We Live?” our high school climate art show, continued its journey through the Berkshires from north to south.
The student artwork in this show is moving: both thoughtful, and full of feeling. These young artists are not only responding to climate change, they are asking what kind of world we want to live in, what nature gives us, what we owe to one another, and where we find guidance and hope.
Students Lead the Way in Waltham
On June 12, William F. Stanley Elementary School in Waltham hosted a 5th Grade Sustainability Science Fair. Students shared projects on topics such as native plants, pollinator gardens, composting, plastics, invasive species, and alternative energy.
We are especially excited to see how this project-based learning experience brings together science, creativity, and real-world problem solving. It is another wonderful example of what happens when students are invited to become climate thinkers and community changemakers.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
… to every teacher, student, school leader, community partner, artist, volunteer, and supporter who helped make the Cooler Communities events this spring so impactful!
Your creativity, care, and courage are helping young people see that they are not powerless. They are part of the solution. And they are already making a difference.
Coming This Fall: The Energy Detectives Vol. 3
We are also getting ready for the next chapter of The Energy Detectives. Our newest book, The Case of the Hidden Helpers, will be available to teachers and each of their students in the fall.
In this story, our favorite young sleuths discover the many ways people are already helping their communities respond to climate change. We can’t wait to share it with educators and young readers.
More details will be coming soon.
Action of the season: Protect birds with window decals….
Looking for a fun summer activity on a rainy day? Make your own bird-safe window decals! These simple decorations help birds see glass and avoid window collisions. At Sunderland Elementary School, 4th and 5th graders showed just how creative this can be with their wonderful hand-painted decals for our feathered friends.
Here is a low tech great fun DIY window decals
