Students in Mr. Cicero's fifth-grade classes at Cardinal Middle School are exploring nature this school year though the Geauga Park District's Nature Scopes…
Nature Scopes Program
Students in Mr. Cicero’s fifth-grade classes at Cardinal Middle School are exploring nature this school year though the Geauga Park District’s Nature Scopes program. By participating, each student earns a pair of binoculars and two field guides.
During the yearlong program, students take part in interactive lessons in the classroom and outdoors on school property or in a park district park. Students will have an opportunity to travel to a classroom-sized Star Dome, where they learn to observe constellations and hear all about their legends.
The biggest event comes at the end of the school year when, in May, Nature Scopes students experience the Binocular Blitz, an event where students will observe forest, pond and wetland habitats.
“Students will also participate in nature walks and will be observing a bird feeder that the park district provided to us for participating in the program,” says teacher Greg Cicero. “This program is an excellent way to provide students with a connection to nature.”
Teen Youth Summit
On Sept. 18, 12 Cardinal students in grades 8-12 attended the Youth Leadership Summit at Auburn Career Center. The summit was hosted by the Lake Geauga Youth Lead Prevention Coalition as a way to celebrate the region’s youth leaders and empower them to work together to make their vision for their school a reality.
Students attended a day of workshops and heard keynote speeches from former OSU football player Joel Penton and Alex Scheen, the founder of the nonprofit group Because I Said I Would.
Cardinal students who attended were eighth-graders Taya B., Lacey P., Cyndle R., Cade S. and Johnathon Z.; ninth-grader Matthew C.; tenth-graders Jacob R., and Virginia T.; eleventh-graders Victoria M. and Julia M.; and twelfth-graders Emily K. and Cole Z.
“The students were chosen by the administration and counselors because they demonstrate leadership amongst their peers,” says high school counselor Jill DeRamo. “We also had two students, Madison P. and Shelby S., who were on the Teen Advisory Board for The Lake Geauga Youth Led Prevention Coalition and they helped organize this year’s event.”
Youth Leader Award
Congratulations to Cardinal High School junior Shelby M. for receiving the Outstanding Youth Leader Award at the Youth Leadership Summit held at Auburn Career Center in September. Shelby’s award comes in recognition of her work at Camp Burton middle school camp this past summer.
“I was very surprised to receive this award, but very excited at the same time,” says Shelby. “Camp Burton was the highlight of my year; I loved it so much. The fact they recognized me as a top leader made me feel really good.”
Camp Burton leaders say Shelby was chosen for the recognition because of her outstanding leadership and listening skills, engaging all students in the activities, encouraging all the students and their efforts throughout camp and by demonstrating respect and honesty. She received a certificate and a $100 gift card.
Shelby also applied for and has been chosen to be on the first Youth Advisory Council for Geauga County, where she will advise on issues that directly affect local youth.
Karen Lackey, of the Geauga County ESC, says, “The youth on this council not only raise awareness about making your district and community a healthy, drug free community, but they also determine the direction of prevention programs, leadership training and county-wide activities for all six districts.”
Shelby says she and the other members of the council will be responsible for planning multiple projects including mentoring programs and trash pick-up days. Congratulations, Shelby.
