Sixth graders at Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, Tennessee’s first all girls public charter school, celebrated Tennessee’s Arbor Day by hosting a bilingual press conference to kick off their international tree planting initiative, Branching Out.
Branching Out is a student-led program designed to challenge other 6th grade students around the world to plant an indigenous tree. The project was conceptualized by first year science teacher and 20-year polymer chemistry professional, Nancy Olenchek.
“Trees are the largest and longest living organisms on earth,” said Ms. Olenchek. “Trees help us breathe, stop global warming by removing carbon dioxide from the air, reduce heating and cooling costs, and provide food and shelter.
If we truly want our future leaders to understand the importance of trees, we must arm students with the knowledge, skills, experience, and tools to enable them to conserve the environment for future generations.”
The primary goal of Branching Out is to encourage 6th graders from across the globe to plant 1,000 trees. For each tree planted by others, CGLA’s sixth grade class will plant a “Sister Tree” on a plot of land in Fort Payne, Al. at the end of April to commemorate National Arbor Day.
“I am truly excited to be part of such a meaningful educational project,” said Keosha Butler, student president of Branching Out. “We are leading the way for other sixth graders across the globe to make a difference in the community in which they live.”
Following the bilingual student led press conference, the Branching Out committee mailed 500 invitations to 6th grade classes residing in over 150 U.S cities and 27 countries.
To track the progress of Branching Out or to learn more information about this international tree planting initiative, visit www.branchingout.cglaonline.com.
CGLA's Science Instructor, Nancy Olenchek, with members of the Branching Out committee. Click to enlarge.