Students at Monte Vista Elementary School are working to prevent litter from getting into the Monterey Bay Sanctuary.During the 2021-2022 school year, teachers and staff at Monte Vista started an afterschool program through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Ocean Guardian School program.
In 1992, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary became a federally protected offshore marine area, according to NOAA.
According to NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Monte Vista will receive a banner during the 2022-2023 school year for fulfilling the program's commitments developing a school or community-based conservation project.
Key target areas for NOAA Ocean Guardian Schools include student projects related to watershed and ocean conservation, opportunities for students and staff to join environmental activities and learning that promotes sustainable practices.
"Students have participated in trash pick-ups around school and the surrounding neighborhood, entered (and won) a trash art contest, completed a Litterati challenge, and even made a video that was shared with our Monte Vista students and families. We are excited to continue to grow our club and spread our efforts to the wider community," said Celia Feldman, Ocean Guardian Lead Teacher.
Monte Vista will get a special banner to hang on campus for earning their designation.
To read more about the program, visit the NOAA Ocean Guardian School website.