This week’s edition of the Gainesville Times included a front page photo story featuring All Saints students hard at work mulching trails, clearing brush and picking up litter at Bristoe Battlefield on April 5th in Bristow, VA. Their efforts were in support of National Park Day, an annual event that invites volunteers from around the country to help maintain and preserve Civil War battlefield sites. This marks the 9th year that All Saints students have participated in Park Day under the direction of middle school social studies teacher Mrs. Slovenkay. Previous years, students have helped maintain trails and cleared debris and trash at the Liberia Mansion and Signal Hill historic sites.

“The preservation of the Civil War sites is very relevant to our 7th grade history curriculum,” shares Mrs. Slovenkay. “It also reinforces the importance of good citizenship learned in 7th and 8th government lessons.” Being an environmental steward also ties into All Saints active virtue program as it provides students with a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate their civic virtues.

Adds Mrs. Slovenkay, “When I take students to this annual event, it is my fervent wish that children experience the great satisfaction and feelings of accomplishment when they give back to their community and that they will continue to responsibly participate in their communities. Just as we live our faith at All Saints, we live good citizenship as well.”