Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Boyle educator is conservation districts' Elementary Teacher of the Year

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 21, 2006) - Kathy Ponsoll, who teaches third and fourth grades at Woodlawn Elementary School in Boyle County, has been named Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.

Ponsoll’s pupils monitor Clark Run stream as part of a Water Watch program, aided by high school biology students who help in collecting data. Participation in a community problem-solving program enables her pupils to make connections to their community - and to recognize their own power to bring about change.

At Woodlawn, they recycle paper and aluminum cans and compost leftover scraps from lunch to reduce garbage going into landfills. They also participate in a litter patrol to keep the school campus clean.

Ponsoll collaborates with the Boyle County Conservation District, Kentucky Division of Water, Cooperative Extension Service and other elementary and high school classes. That collaboration enables her pupils to observe and investigate the four properties of earth materials - solid rock, soils, water and gases - and understand how each is precious to our existence.

The award - $100 and a plaque - was presented at the association’s annual meeting in Owensboro. The Environmental Education Awards are sponsored by the Kentucky Farm Bureau Foundation and Farm Credit Services.