NORWALK, CA – Sanchez Elementary fifth-graders took up gardening gloves and shovels on April 25 as they joined Norwalk city workers and officials in planting 25 Golden Medallion trees at Hermosillo Park in honor of National Arbor Day.

“This is important for students to see how they can make a positive impact on their environment,” teacher Michelle Kibic said. “It’s beautiful that the students can plant the trees and come back years later to see how their work has grown.”

The students, working in teams of five, started the day with a lesson from Norwalk workers on how to prepare the trees, from digging the hole to the right tools for planting.

“I enjoyed working with the soil, and learning about the vitamin tablets that keep moisture in the ground to help the tree grow,” Sanchez fifth-grader Kamilah Cervantes said.

The students took turns clearing soil from the hole after city workers dug it out and placed in a vitamin tablet. The students then worked with their team leader to release the tree from the pot before gently settling it in the earth, and with a large scoop shovel, replaced the dirt.

Once the planting was complete, students were given cups of soil and wildflower seeds so they could nurture their own piece of nature.

“Thank you to the city of Norwalk and its hardworking officials for providing us the opportunity to show our care for our local park,” Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Hasmik Danielian said. “Our students can gain pride in their community and understand the importance of protecting the environment.”

PHOTOS:

051117_NLMUSD_SANCHEZTREE1: Sanchez Elementary fifth-graders listen to a Norwalk city employee explain how to plant a tree. Students joined Norwalk city workers and officials in planting 25 trees at Hermosillo Park in honor of National Arbor Day.

051117_NLMUSD_SANCHEZTREE2: Sanchez Elementary fifth-graders plant in one of 25 trees at Hermosillo Park in honor of National Arbor Day.