In honor of Earth Day, Mrs. Niles’ first-grade class took part in something truly special—planting a beautiful Lignum Vitae, an indigenous and endangered tree species right here in the Florida Keys.
This meaningful moment was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Crider Family. We are incredibly grateful for their donation and for helping plant the tree alongside our students. Your kindness has created a lasting impact that will grow for years to come—not just in our schoolyard, but in the hearts of our students.
Adding to this special project, Mr. Roy and Mrs. Ellerbee’s STEM students put their skills into action by designing and 3D printing a custom sign to accompany the tree. Their innovation and creativity helped bring this experience full circle—blending environmental stewardship with real-world STEM application!
Our young learners are not only helping protect native biodiversity but also enhancing the beauty of our campus. This stunning tree will one day bloom with vibrant blue-purple flowers, attracting pollinators like the Lyside Sulphur Butterfly—a true gift to our school and community.
We want to thank Superintendent Tierney for joining us today for the unveiling of the tree and plaque ceremony. Moments like these are what make Sugarloaf School so special—hands-on learning, community partnerships, and a shared commitment to making a difference.