Agnor-Hurt 4th Graders Receive Climate Action Activity Kits
##PRESS RELEASE##
Charlottesville, Virginia – Tuesday, December 15, 2020
The Community Climate Collaborative (C3), in partnership with the Virginia Discovery Museum and Albemarle County, is launching a pilot program to help 4th graders gain a greater understanding of home energy use and climate emissions, while connecting families to local energy-efficiency solutions. Individual Climate Action Activity Kits, available in both English and Spanish, will be delivered to 35 Agnor-Hurt Elementary School 4th graders this Tuesday, December 15th.
The kit includes an energy scavenger hunt and grown-up guide with information on local rebates and energy efficiency resources; a build your own wind-mill; a t-shirt with art materials to create and decorate a reusable grocery bag; and a solar-powered night light. Each family will also receive a free LED light bulb from Batteries Plus Bulbs.
Members of the media are invited to two opportunities for photos and interviews:
11:20am - Bus will be loaded with the kits for delivery. Their teacher, Mrs. Shand, and the other partners will be on hand.
4pm - Families and their 4th graders will be available for an interview as they pick up their kit. Location: Agnor-Hurt Elementary School drop-off driveway at 3201 Berkmar Drive. VISUALS: Climate Action Activity Kits, including contents.
The funding for the climate activity kits was provided by Albemarle County’s Department of Facilities and Environmental Services.
Quotes from Partner Organizations:
“The Virginia Discovery Museum was delighted to partner with C3 to create climate action kits for Agnor-Hurt students. These kits are part of the museum’s ongoing efforts during the pandemic to support our community’s youngest members in continuing their hands-on learning through play,” said VDM Executive Director, Janine Dozier.
“We’re looking forward to fostering climate-conscious 4th graders and their families by learning first-hand ways they can make a difference,” said Mia Shand, Talent Development Resource Teacher at Agnor-Hurt Elementary School.
"Albemarle County is pleased to partner with C3 to increase awareness of local energy efficiency programs, support families with at-home activities for kids, and educate our community’s next generation of climate leaders – all components of the County’s recently adopted Climate Action Plan,” said Greg Harper, Chief of Environmental Services for Albemarle County.
“We’re excited to partner with Mrs. Shand, her students, and their parents to help connect their classroom learning with climate solutions in their own home,” said Teri Kent, Director of Programs for C3. “Especially as we head into the colder winter months, greater energy efficiency could provide much needed relief on utility bills.”
About the Community Climate Collaborative
The Community Climate Collaborative aims to bring communities together to lead on climate by working closely with schools, businesses, citizens, and local governments to implement carbon emissions reductions, develop climate action plans, and enact equitable policies that accelerate climate action. Our Home Energy Challenge and the Better Business Challenge deliver climate solutions that are practical, tangible, and quantifiable. Visit theclimatecollaborative.org.
About the Virginia Discovery Museum
For 39 years, the Virginia Discovery Museum has provided educational and enrichment opportunities in literacy, science, math, and the arts to the children of the Charlottesville-Albemarle area. It is the mission of the museum to foster intellectual curiosity and development for all children in the community. In 2019, the museum welcomed 72,000 visitors, over 23% of which came to the museum free of charge. The museum partners with over 100 Charlottesville community organizations to offer programs and events and relies on the support of over 300 volunteers who range in age from 14-80. Visit www.vadm.org.
About Albemarle County
Climate change presents a unique challenge and a unique opportunity. Albemarle County stands with cities, counties, and other public and private sector partners throughout the world to advance bold climate action in service of a healthy planet for all and for the prosperity, health, and well-being of our community. As a local government, we have a responsibility for leadership in reducing the community’s contribution to climate change and charting a sustainable future. Albemarle County’s target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the community by 45% from 2008 levels by 2030 and to achieve zero net emissions by 2050. Visit their website at www.albemarle.org.
About Agnor-Hurt Elementary School
Agnor-Hurt Elementary School provides a safe and trusting learning environment that embraces diversity and our community’s rich cultural tableau. We are committed to empowering students to be creative lifelong learners and productive global citizens through relationships, compassion and perseverance. As 21st century learners, students will develop into individuals who can adapt, create, collaborate, succeed, and meet the challenges of a constantly evolving world. Visit Agnor-Hurt Elementary School PTO Facebook Page or their website.
PRESS CONTACT: Teri Kent, Director of Programs and Communication, Community Climate Collaborative, (434) 466-5157, or teri@theclimatecollaborative.org
See NBC29’s coverage of this story.
