Jane Goodall’s momentous visit to Burke’s in fall 2015 continues to reverberate across campus, with projects relating to her and her work extending well beyond her departure.
The famed primatologist told the story of her life and urged environmental action to both Burke’s divisions at two separate assemblies on October 13. Her appearance in and of itself was a marvel, but her message of hope continues on campus even now:
-As a pair of third graders explained to Dr. Goodall, their grade has taken on a project in their science classes in the vein of Roots & Shoots, the youth advocacy organization of the Jane Goodall Institute. These Burke’s students are writing letters to local businesses to help clear the oceans of pollution.
-Students in Tree House created friendship bracelets and dolls as part of another Roots & Shoots project, one that came to fruition when the mother of After-School Teacher Jewel Devora ’09 delivered them to a home for albino children in Tanzania.
-And fourth graders portrayed her life on stage in their play, titled “The Story of Jane.” From her childhood spent fascinated by farm animals to her time at Gombe National Park working with chimpanzees to her ongoing message of conservation and environmentalism, the Class of 2020 — along with theater teacher Nancy Gold — recreated Dr. Goodall’s formative years in the Lunchroom with the help of an immersive, jungle-like set.
