Ballentine Elementary helps rescue sea turtles

For the second consecutive year, Ballentine Elementary first-graders raised over $3,000 for the South Carolina Sea Turtle Rescue. Students from Mrs. Laura Duncan’s first grade class capped off their four-month “Save the Sea Turtles” initiative with a trip to Charleston last week where they presented a check to the South Carolina Aquarium.

The initiative, in its seventh year, began in March when students started research on “patients” at the South Carolina Turtle Rescue in Charleston. Two years ago, students put together a calendar of what they learned about the species. Last year, a brochure was made by students. This year, students had the opportunity to create a book – “The Amazing Sea Turtle.” Each student had their very own published page in the book. “This experience touches every child and shows them the importance of how we can protect endangered species. They are learning while making a positive difference for the environment” Mrs. Duncan said.

During their research, students learned about South Carolina’s state reptile, the Loggerhead turtle. They had the opportunity to see the Loggerhead up close and personal when Christi Hughes the senior biologist at the Sea Turtle Rescue visited the school. To raise money for the Rescue, students created sea turtle bracelets, necklaces and earrings that were sold at the school with help of parents and the staff. Ballentine Elementary School technology assistant Heather Reicht filmed Sea Turtle commercials which aired each morning on the school news. “The commercials were so important to our students because they not only helped us advertise our fundraiser, but they also allowed students to share ways we can all make a difference in helping save the turtles,” Mrs. Duncan said.

One reason these species have become so endangered is due to litter. Jellyfish are a large part of the diet for the Loggerhead along with many other sea turtle species. When the turtles see plastic bags floating in the water, they appear like Jellyfish and will eat them causing their digestive tract to become impacted and eventually kill the turtle. With the help of art teacher Alyssa Cochin, students printed reusable grocery bags designed with their own custom logo on each bag.

Mrs. Duncan believes the bags can make a difference, saying “By selling these reusable grocery bags, we are hoping that more people will opt out of using plastic.” The initiative may be over for this year, but Duncan says the bags and jewelry continue to sell and you can purchase them by contacting the school.

The South Carolina Sea Turtle Rescue is a nonprofit and works to rescue, rehabilitate and release sea turtles from our South Carolina coastline.

“We are so thankful for our faculty, staff and parents for wholeheartedly embracing our efforts each year,” Mrs. Duncan said. “It would not be a success without the support, encouragement and involvement of our amazing school!”