Sam Case Elementary School has received a $4,000 NOAA Ocean Guardian School grant to launch the first year of a three-year effort focused on reducing marine debris and protecting local watersheds, beaches and the ocean.

Throughout the 2026-27 school year, students will connect classroom learning with environmental stewardship through Sam Case’s new Cub 55 time. Activities will include experiments, physical education games, art, music, public service announcements and guest speakers.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with many organizations, experts and community members, both local and national, who are joining us in this work,” Principal Marcy Doyle said. “These collaborations will help us create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for our students while empowering them to see themselves as capable stewards of our watersheds, beaches and ocean.”

Every student will receive a copy of Ellie’s Strand by M.L. Herring and participate in beach-related investigations. Learning will also extend beyond the school through two to three beach cleanups with Oregon Shores. Students will collect, measure and track debris along a mile of beach and share what they learn with the school and community.

Fifth-grade teacher Adam Galen will serve as the school’s Ocean Guardian lead teacher.

“Our hope is for students to understand how plastics affect ocean life and to begin finding ways to reduce plastic waste,” Galen said. “We want to give them meaningful, hands-on experiences that inspire them to recognize the impact they can have and take action to protect our coastal environment.”

Congratulations to the students and staff at Sam Case Elementary on this exciting opportunity!