ROCS Rides the Green Wave
Photo credit: Paul Becker
September 20th, building on their climate strike last spring, ROCS students boarded a COTA bus and rode downtown to rally at the Ohio State House with other students from Central Ohio and the adults who care about them and the future of our Mother, Earth.
As Columbus Alive reported, “Like many young people participating in the Climate Strike, Red Oak students are inspired by the example of Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg. Thirteen months ago, Thunberg began striking from school each Friday to bring attention to climate change.” The strike this month drew participation from around the world, drawing attention to Thunberg and other young environmental activists’ testimony before the U.S. Congress and United Nations.
Photo credit: Paul Becker
Our students opened the Columbus Rally, bringing all in attendance to tears, with two songs lead by ROCS teacher Maureen Alley. (Click here for a recording.)
The first, “S.O.S. from the Kids” was written by a 12 year old boy named Simeon and his mother. Simeon and his brother, like our students, learned about climate change at school, came home talking about it and asking a lot of questions. You can read all about the song and find the lyrics, currently available in various languages and with sheet music for a range of instruments at https://www.sosfromthekids.com.
Next was an adaptation of folk artist Alice di Micele’s “The Circle Song” which Maureen revised to address environmental issues. Maureen was first introduced to the song at Lights for Liberty: A Vigil to End Human Concentration Camps in June. Organizers of that action brought people worldwide together to protest the inhumane conditions faced by migrants. Rabbi Jessica Shimberg spoke and led those gathered in Columbus in singing the original lyrics.
Parents and grandparents who chaperoned our students found the day to be moving and meaningful. We were so proud of our kids and of being a school that not only allows students to skip classes for such activity, but made it part of the curriculum.
Jodi Kushins, ROCS Mom
Postscript: We were all beyond thrilled when Greta Thunberg shared images from the Columbus rally on her facebook feed, including one of our kids, sitting front and center!
