Friday, May 23, 2025
Students at Theodore Roosevelt School were treated to a unique performance on April 7—an original play about protecting the environment, written and performed by none other than their own teachers and administrators.
The story followed two lovable polar bears—portrayed by Principal Devra Small and librarian Roseann Davidson—who discover that their Arctic home is in trouble. As they journey to understand the changes in their habitat, they encounter several other animals facing environmental challenges, including a bee (played by kindergarten teacher Holly Janoska) and a monarch butterfly (played by reading specialist Michele Taube).
The polar bears also receive guidance from Mother Earth (played by English as a New Language teacher Kim Kaufman) and Mother Nature (played by science and technology teacher Regina D’Orio).
But every good story needs its villains, and in this tale, the mischievous forces threatening the environment were Carbon and Methane (played by technology coach Brian Agostini and gym teacher Jeff Schiereck).
By the end of the play, the polar bears come to a powerful conclusion: the future of the planet depends on the help of Roosevelt’s students. To encourage eco-friendly behavior, students were challenged to take small but meaningful actions—like recycling, using reusable water bottles and turning off lights when leaving a room.
These actions are included as part of a special Golden Coupon Book, which every student received. As they complete each task, students can bring in the corresponding coupon to enter a raffle. Winners will be drawn on Earth Day for a chance to receive exciting prizes.
