Francesca Pertacaro announces school's Long Island Sound conservation initiative at symposium

The Board of Education meeting at Davis Elementary School on March 21, 2025, highlighted the school's participation in the Long Island Sound School Network, a significant initiative aimed at environmental education and conservation. Francesca Pertacaro, a representative from the school, announced that they were one of only ten schools selected for a grant in partnership with Mercy University, which will enhance their environmental programs.

The meeting featured students from the newly formed after-school club, which includes third, fourth, and fifth graders passionate about nature and conservation. These students have engaged in various activities throughout the year, including researching local ecosystems, studying watersheds, and addressing issues like plastic pollution. They recently attended the Long Island Sound School Network Symposium at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut, where they presented their findings and learned from peers and environmental experts.

Student Abdul Rauf shared his excitement about the symposium, emphasizing the importance of their work in protecting the Long Island Sound and the ocean. Zara, another club member, discussed their research on seagrass meadows, highlighting the critical role these habitats play in the ecosystem and the alarming fact that over 90% have disappeared due to pollution and human activity.

Gabe focused on the impact of water quality on the ecosystem, explaining how everyday activities contribute to water pollution. He raised awareness about microplastics, noting that a single bottle of water can contain thousands of these tiny pollutants. Olivia shared insights from their recent water quality testing, which revealed hidden contaminants that could harm both humans and wildlife.

Looking ahead, the students expressed their commitment to ongoing conservation efforts, including building an underwater robot to explore the sound and launching a plastic awareness campaign at their school. The meeting underscored the school's dedication to fostering environmental stewardship among its students and the broader community.