HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Education Opportunity with Algalita- WVUSD Email1
Tara Reyes
From:Tara Reyes
Sent:Friday, October 3, 2025 1:03 PM
To:mbrummett@wvusd.org; rJung@wvusd.org; jgalindo@wvusd.org; kkadowaki@wvusd.org;
cgibbons@wvusd.org; mkojder@wvusd.org; btan@wvusd.org; syamashiro@wvusd.org;
dloera@wvusd.org; mmiller@wvusd.org; rpatterson@wvusd.org; jreutzel@wvusd.org;
ntronske@wvusd.org; rtaylor@wvusd.org; Jeanette J. Koh; ccorona@wvusd.org; mcooke@wvusd.org;
rgoya@wvusd.org; dhong@wvusd.org; jhwang@wvusd.org; ajensvold@wvusd.org;
jgmarquez@wvusd.org; kparra@wvusd.org; jsilver@wvusd.org; esorensen@wvusd.org;
dwai@wvusd.org
Subject:Environmental Education Opportunity
Attachments:Sustainable Solutions Poster Contest 2026.pdf; Arbor Day Poster Contest 2026 Rules and Entry
Form.pdf
Good afternoon, Walnut Valley Unified School District,
Space is filling quickly for the Algalita Environmental Education Program—please sign up your
6–12 grade classes as soon as possible to secure a spot! This program is an incredible
opportunity for students to engage in hands-on science, collect and analyze their own data,
and practice real-world problem solving. See the information in the thread below for details
on scheduling and participation.
In addition, the City continues to partner with Discovery Cube to offer environmental
programming for grades 3–6. For booking information, please visit the Greener Pathways
website.
I’d also like to share details on two upcoming City-sponsored poster contests, which will be
displayed and celebrated at the City’s Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 25:
• Sustainability Solutions Poster Contest – Launched last year with great success, this
contest is open to grades 6–12 (see attached flyer).
• Arbor Day Poster Contest – A long-standing City tradition, open to grades 4–7 (see
attached flyer).
We hope your schools and students will take part in these programs and contests. They are
wonderful opportunities to connect classroom learning with community celebration and
environmental stewardship.
Best regards,
Tara Reyes | Management Analyst
City of Diamond Bar | City Manager’s OƯice
21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
t 909.839.7015 | 909.839.7000 main | 909.861.3117
TReyes@diamondbarca.gov | www.DiamondBarCA.gov
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2
From: Tara Reyes
Sent: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 9:30 AM
To: 'mbrummett@wvusd.org' <mbrummett@wvusd.org>; 'rJung@wvusd.org' <rJung@wvusd.org>;
'jgalindo@wvusd.org' <jgalindo@wvusd.org>; 'kkadowaki@wvusd.org' <kkadowaki@wvusd.org>; 'cgibbons@wvusd.org'
<cgibbons@wvusd.org>; 'mkojder@wvusd.org' <mkojder@wvusd.org>; 'btan@wvusd.org' <btan@wvusd.org>;
'syamashiro@wvusd.org' <syamashiro@wvusd.org>; 'dloera@wvusd.org' <dloera@wvusd.org>; 'mmiller@wvusd.org'
<mmiller@wvusd.org>; 'rpatterson@wvusd.org' <rpatterson@wvusd.org>; 'jreutzel@wvusd.org' <jreutzel@wvusd.org>;
'ntronske@wvusd.org' <ntronske@wvusd.org>; 'rtaylor@wvusd.org' <rtaylor@wvusd.org>; 'Jeanette J. Koh'
<jkoh@wvusd.org>; 'ccorona@wvusd.org' <ccorona@wvusd.org>; 'mcooke@wvusd.org' <mcooke@wvusd.org>;
'rgoya@wvusd.org' <rgoya@wvusd.org>; 'dhong@wvusd.org' <dhong@wvusd.org>; 'jhwang@wvusd.org'
<jhwang@wvusd.org>; 'ajensvold@wvusd.org' <ajensvold@wvusd.org>; 'jgmarquez@wvusd.org'
<jgmarquez@wvusd.org>; 'kparra@wvusd.org' <kparra@wvusd.org>; 'jsilver@wvusd.org' <jsilver@wvusd.org>;
'esorensen@wvusd.org' <esorensen@wvusd.org>; 'dwai@wvusd.org' <dwai@wvusd.org>
Subject: Environmental Education Opportunity
Hello Walnut Valley Unified School District,
This is a quick reminder that there is still space to sign up for the City’s new environmental
education pilot program with Algalita Marine Research and Education for the 2025–2026
school year.
Designed for students in grades 6–12, this program provides hands-on, solutions-based
learning about microplastics—one of today’s most urgent environmental issues. Students will:
• Collect and analyze real-world plastic pollution samples.
• Explore watershed connections between Diamond Bar and the Pacific Ocean.
• Engage in problem-solving and community action strategies.
• (Optional) Take part in a guided kayaking experience.
All field trip costs are fully covered by the City, including reimbursement of up to $750 per
bus. Trips can be tailored to your class and range from 2–6 hours.
To reserve your spot:
1. Review the overview video and details (attached).
2. Complete the Algalita Interest Form (list “City of Diamond Bar” for funding).
3. Select your preferred Tuesday or Friday dates via Algalita’s calendar link.
4. Meet with Algalita staff to finalize details.
Dates are filling quickly, so please secure your spot soon!
Thank you,
3
From: Tara Reyes
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2025 5:44 PM
To: 'mbrummett@wvusd.org' <mbrummett@wvusd.org>; 'rJung@wvusd.org' <rJung@wvusd.org>;
'jgalindo@wvusd.org' <jgalindo@wvusd.org>; 'kkadowaki@wvusd.org' <kkadowaki@wvusd.org>; 'cgibbons@wvusd.org'
<cgibbons@wvusd.org>; 'mkojder@wvusd.org' <mkojder@wvusd.org>; 'btan@wvusd.org' <btan@wvusd.org>;
'syamashiro@wvusd.org' <syamashiro@wvusd.org>; 'dloera@wvusd.org' <dloera@wvusd.org>; 'mmiller@wvusd.org'
<mmiller@wvusd.org>; 'rpatterson@wvusd.org' <rpatterson@wvusd.org>; 'jreutzel@wvusd.org' <jreutzel@wvusd.org>;
'ntronske@wvusd.org' <ntronske@wvusd.org>; 'rtaylor@wvusd.org' <rtaylor@wvusd.org>; 'Jeanette J. Koh'
<jkoh@wvusd.org>; 'ccorona@wvusd.org' <ccorona@wvusd.org>; 'mcooke@wvusd.org' <mcooke@wvusd.org>;
'rgoya@wvusd.org' <rgoya@wvusd.org>; 'dhong@wvusd.org' <dhong@wvusd.org>; 'jhwang@wvusd.org'
<jhwang@wvusd.org>; 'ajensvold@wvusd.org' <ajensvold@wvusd.org>; 'jgmarquez@wvusd.org'
<jgmarquez@wvusd.org>; 'kparra@wvusd.org' <kparra@wvusd.org>; 'jsilver@wvusd.org' <jsilver@wvusd.org>;
'esorensen@wvusd.org' <esorensen@wvusd.org>; 'dwai@wvusd.org' <dwai@wvusd.org>
Subject: Environmental Education Opportunity
Hello, Walnut Valley Unified School District,
I'm excited to share that the City has partnered with Algalita Marine Research and Education
to offer environmental education programming for the 2025–2026 school year. This will be a
pilot program for students in grades 6–12, offering a powerful, solution-driven perspective on
microplastics, one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges. This program builds
upon the City’s long-standing partnership with the school district and Discovery Cube to
bring more in-depth and focused curriculum on the consequences of plastics in our
environment.
With this new program, Students will gain hands-on experience learning from field experts
and touring California’s first state-accredited microplastic testing lab. They’ll also explore the
ecology of Alamitos Bay and the San Gabriel River, which directly connects Diamond Bar to
the Pacific Ocean—reinforcing the local impact of global environmental issues.
Algalita’s Environmental Science Field Trips are designed to support STEAM learning and align
with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Key components include:
• Microplastic Sampling and Analysis – Students collect and analyze real-world plastic
pollution samples, enhancing data and critical thinking skills.
• Watershed Connections – Exploration of how urban runoff affects marine ecosystems
and contributes to ocean pollution.
• Scientific Inquiry and Solutions-Based Learning – Hands-on problem solving and
community action strategies to reduce plastic waste.
• Kayaking Experience (Optional) – Guided exploration of local waterways with sample
collection and ecosystem observation.
Tara Reyes | Management Analyst
City of Diamond Bar | City Manager’s OƯice
21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
t 909.839.7015 | 909.839.7000 main | 909.861.3117
TReyes@diamondbarca.gov | www.DiamondBarCA.gov
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4
These experiences give students a chance to apply science concepts outside the classroom
while building leadership in environmental stewardship.
The City will fully cover the cost of student participation and offer reimbursement of up to
$750 per bus to support transportation. Field trips range from 2 to 6 hours and can be
personalized to fit your class needs.
To schedule a trip, please follow these steps:
1. Watch the overview video and review field trip details (attached).
2. Fill out the Algalita Interest Form.
o When asked “Do you have access to funding for field trips?” please respond:
“City of Diamond Bar.”
3. You’ll receive a calendar link from Algalita to select your top two preferred dates
(Tuesdays or Fridays). If you are interested, please reach out early, as dates are limited.
4. Algalita will schedule a Zoom meeting with the teacher to finalize details, answer
questions, and share liability waivers.
To assist in building out content to educate students on key concepts, Algalita provides a
robust resource page, entirely free to the community whether you attend the field trip or not:
Algalita Educator Resources.
Please complete a short survey if you’d like to participate in the pilot. Your input will help us
refine and improve the program for future years: Pilot Program Survey.
The City continues to offer programming with Discovery Cube for grades 3-6. For booking,
please see the Greener Pathways website.
Thank you,
Tara Reyes | Management Analyst
City of Diamond Bar | City Manager’s OƯice
21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
t 909.839.7015 | 909.839.7000 main | 909.861.3117
TReyes@diamondbarca.gov | www.DiamondBarCA.gov
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