Darrell Vincek, Principal,
Bowman Elementary School:
In an effort to promote
developmental assets in youth, the Alaska Zoo supported Bowman Elementary
through three community building activities this year.
First the Alaska Zoo provided a
hands-on assembly where zoo staff brought in zoo animals for an educational
assembly. Children met zoo staff, learned about and met some of the animals at
the zoo, and learned important lessons of Alaskan animals.
Second, the Alaska Zoo provided
passes for several classes enabling many of our children from preschool to
sixth grade to attend and experience the wonders of our zoo neighbors.
Lastly, students participated
in the Alaska Zoo’s Tuesday Night at the Zoo summer series. This project began
with morning advertisements over the intercom where we talked about the Tuesday
Night at the Zoo program and students’opportunity to participate. We then held
an essay contest where interested students could submit their names and
entries. The essay question was based on the Dr.Seuss book If I Ran the Zoo.
Twelve students were selected from the 45 entries. Those students then met with
two Alaska Zoo staff members every Tuesday for two months. During that time
they learned more about the zoo and practiced a skit designed to educate the
public about what to do if they encounter a baby animal who appears to be
alone, sick, or injured.
This skit was then performed
for the public at the Alaska Zoo on Tuesday, May 28, 2002 as part of the zoo’s
Tuesday Night at the Zoo program. The skit was a smash hit and well received by
the audience. Bowman students then stationed themselves at various locations in
the zoo to hand out literature and answer questions to curious zoo visitors.
The Willard L Bowman Elementary
School community is very proud and privileged to be affiliated with such a
wonderful educational institution and community neighbor. We look forward to a
growing and exciting partnership.
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Katie Larson, Education Director, The Alaska Zoo
The Alaska Zoo became involved in a School Business Partnership with Bowman
Elementary in the spring of 2002. In a short period of time, this partnership
has flourished into a great relationship.
Our partnership included two school assemblies with zoo staff and an education
animal, free trips to the zoo for up to 250 students as part of a grant from
PHILLIPS ALASKA, Inc., essays written by over 40 students based on the Dr.Seuss
book If I Ran the Zoo, and weekly training sessions at the school with
14 students which culminated in the student production of a “Kids Night the
Zoo” program as part of our “Tuesday Night at the Zoo” program series. All of
these accomplishments were made in only two months at the end of the school
year. On behalf of the zoo, I can truly say that working with Bowman staff and
students has been a great joy. There is a real sense of satisfaction in knowing
that we were an asset to the student’s education and their lives. We look
forward to continuing a strong partnership with Bowman in the future.
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