Pupils discuss global warming Cole Weinstock (l) and Charles Placek FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Through the week of April 21, students at each of the Freehold Township School District's eight schools recognized Earth Day and Arbor Day with various activities including writing and reciting poems, creating posters, writing environmental messages with sidewalk chalk, and taking part in tree planting ceremonies. At the Laura Donavan School, two fourth-graders, Charles Placek and Cole Weinstock, took the message of saving the planet a step further. Charles and Cole created a PowerPoint presentation to discuss the effects of global warming with all of the fourth-graders at the school and also started a campaign for students to write letters to President George W. Bush. "I am so pleased with Charles' and Cole's enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference in our world," said Libby Tumelty, fourth grade teacher. According to Tumelty, the boys became intrigued with the problems that could occur with increased global warming after reading an article in the Geo Trek section of the class' Weekly Reader. The students then approached Principal Richard Thompson with their idea to create an assembly to get other students excited about ways to save the planet. "Not only is their message important, but it is also important to realize how well they planned and developed their ideas for this presentation," Thompson said. "I am truly impressed with these fourthgraders." In developing the presentation, the students conducted research online and in the library. They then met with computer teacher Jill Dembsky to help them with the final PowerPoint presentation. Wearing T-shirts with the logo, "Think Green … This is our World," Charles and Cole enthusiastically presented their work to the fourth grade class on Arbor Day, April 25. Through the presentation, the students presented the problems of global warming and offered solutions such as conserving energy and recycling. "I am tremendously proud of these kids," said Jodie Placek, Charles' mother. "They had the courage to do something they felt passionate about and worked hard to make it all come together." After their presentation, the boys concluded by reading a sample letter they wrote to the president and asked their classmates to also write so they would be able to submit the letters to the White House by May 2. In their letter, the boys thanked the president for his attention to the matter and said, "We want to grow up and be able to enjoy all the beauty of our Earth and hope you will do all you can as president to support efforts to keep our world a safe and happy place."