Annual Earth Day fundraiser at Kiski Area South supports endangered animals

Kiski Area South Primary School kindergarteners raised more than $600 for animals at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium in honor of Earth Day.

About 60 kindergarteners recently participated in the annual fundraiser that earns money for the zoo’s Adopt-An-Animal program.

To date, the school has “adopted” 10 endangered animals.

This year, the students adopted four endangered animals: the zoo’s red panda, western lowland gorilla, black rhino and cheetah.

Kindergarten teachers Jennifer Jones, Liz Cowell and Amber Rindt share organizing duties. Jones said the students take ownership of the event because they develop an vested interest in the animals.

“It’s harder for little kids to learn about places or things that are far away. It’s so abstract,” Jones said. “This makes it easier for them to make a connection. It’s personal for them.”

Students from each of the school’s grade levels voted on which animals to adopt by dropping a quarter into an that animal’s voting box. The amount needed to adopt an animal varies from $30 to $500. More information on the zoo’s adopt-an-animal program can be found at pittsburghzoo.org.

The three teachers incorporate the fundraiser into their science-based endangered animal curriculum.

Students complete oral and written reports, create animal-themed projects and learn about endangered animals.

Seven large animal-themed gift baskets were gifted to students from all grades during a raffle at school on Earth Day.

Kindergartener Ava Peppler was one of the lucky winners. She won a large penguin-themed basket that included free passes to the zoo.

“It was fun to learn all the ways we can help save the endangered animals,” Peppler said. “I told my whole family they can help, too.”

Jones said one animal was particularly popular among students.

“The whole entire school went nuts for the red panda. They think it’s so cute, and they’re so endangered,” Jones said.

Kiski Area South Principal Brian Kutchak said the fundraiser combines curriculum, charity and real-life experience for the kindergarteners.

“Visiting the zoo this spring is a great way to show the children that they have personally been responsible for the protection of these amazing creatures,” Kutchak said.

All three kindergarten classes are scheduled to visit the zoo on Tuesday, May 3.