The spirit of Earth Day blossomed at North Hornell School, particularly within the 4PK program. For a full week, the students plunged themselves into discussions about environmental stewardship, inspired in part by the story “Miss Fox’s Class Goes Green.”

Just like Miss Fox’s class, the North Hornell 4PK students embraced a wonderfully eco-conscious idea: a toy swap. Closing their eyes, the children imagined their toy collections at home, identifying that one forgotten treasure that might bring joy to a friend.

The response was heartwarming. Each student brought in a toy to exchange, with some thoughtful parents even sending in a few extras. The Multi-Purpose Room was transformed into a vibrant marketplace of pre-loved playthings.

The swap itself was a success. One by one, each student took their turn to select a “new” toy. The atmosphere was one of pure excitement and generosity. There were no squabbles, no tears, only wide-eyed anticipation.

The 4PK team plans to make the toy swap an annual tradition and hopes to expand it to include the entire school next year, creating a culture of reuse and environmental awareness.

“It was incredibly rewarding to witness our 4PK students so thoughtfully participate in this toy swap,” said Jill House, 4PK teacher. “They grasped the concept of giving and reusing beautifully, and their sheer joy in finding a ‘new’ treasure was infectious.