Earlier this year, the Forest Ridge middle school hosted its annual Global Days, focusing on the theme of Climate Action. Over the course of two immersive days, students explored global and local climate initiatives through interactive workshops, activities, and discussions designed to foster a sense of environmental stewardship. Eighth-grade students played a key role as leaders during Global Days, guiding “Family Groups” composed of all different grades. 

Global Days provided students with an opportunity to engage with globally significant issues, emphasizing the Sacred Heart mission of social awareness and community action. By blending art, science, service, and leadership, the program encouraged students to deepen their understanding of environmental challenges and their role as global citizens.

This year’s theme, Climate Action, highlighted innovative efforts to combat climate change and optimism for the planet’s future. Students discovered actionable ways to make a difference in their communities and learned effective strategies for advocating change.

The two-day event featured a diverse range of activities, including an art workshop, environmental stewardship projects, and a climate science workshop. Students also participated in a clothing swap to address fast fashion’s environmental impact, attended a panel discussion with climate action leaders, and joined a multifaith prayer service for collective reflection and hope. Workshops on food systems and international climate efforts also encouraged participants to connect local actions to global solutions. Finally, students also heard from the city of Bellevue about how they are tackling climate initiatives. 

Global Days helped renew each of our commitment to our planet and helped our middle school students understand how they can be proactive global citizens.