by Robin McKillop
Students participate in a musical water assembly at Bahia Vista Elementary School
We are pleased to offer musical water assemblies at schools in our service area again this school year! The season kicked off November 21, with the first show at Bahia Vista Elementary School in San Rafael. These lively and humorous musical performances are delivered in English and Spanish by ZunZun, an award-winning performing arts group specializing in environmental education.
This year’s show features a cup percussion piece that tells the story of water through the use of musical instruments. Students learn about the local origins of our water and the resources needed (like energy) to clean, treat and deliver it to homes and businesses. They also learn about California’s mandate to reduce water use by 20 percent by the year 2020. Recognizing the importance of outdoor water conservation, teachers don plant costumes that exhibit drought tolerant plant characteristics, like long roots and thick leaves, in a silly, easy-to-understand demonstration for students.
After the assembly, students may have the opportunity to save water at their homes by replacing wasteful showerheads with low-flow ones. Students are given simple instructions on a postcard to determine if they should replace their showerheads. If they need a new showerhead, MMWD provides one for free. All participants receive a small prize for their efforts to conserve water.
So far, these schools have signed up for water assemblies this school year:
Bahia Vista, San Rafael
Tamalpais Valley, Mill Valley
Venetia Valley, San Rafael
Wade Thomas, San Anselmo
San Geronimo, San Geronimo
Coleman, San Rafael
Willow Creek Academy, Sausalito
Bayside, Sausalito
Lagunitas, San Geronimo
Laurel Dell, San Rafael
Glenwood, San Rafael
Sun Valley, San Rafael
Manor, Fairfax
San Domenico, San Anselmo
Strawberry Point, Mill Valley
Bel Aire, Tiburon
There are still a few slots available. Water assemblies are offered to schools in MMWD’s service area for free! Minimum attendance of 100 students is required. For additional information, please contact MMWD’s Water Conservation Department at (415) 945-1458.
