Giggles and squeals of delight filled the air as preschoolers released ladybugs onto nearby trees and bushes outside Touchstone School in Beaverton.
To celebrate Earth Day, on Tuesday, April 22, children at the school got their hands dirty: The younger children planted flowers in recycled boots while the older kids – unless they were too squeamish – each received a ladybug or two to release.
Principal Alicia Lazz said the event is an annual one, and fosters a sense of responsibility.
"It definitely gets them outside," she said. "It's extending the classroom to the outdoors and it teaches them to take care of the environment."
-- Anna Marum