Darcie Fregoe, our sixth-grade Earth science and social studies teacher here at Madison Elementary, has been named the 2021 recipient of the Edward C. Roy Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching.

The award was announced on February 24 at a staff meeting on Zoom, presented by Ed Robeck, Director of the Department of Education and Outreach at the American Geosciences Institute. As part of the award, Mrs.Fregoe will receive a check for the amount of $2,500. She will receive the award in April at the National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA) Friends of Earth Science Reception during the 2021 National Science Teaching Association Conference.

“Darcie Fregoe has taken her lifetime love and involvement in our natural community and developed a program to expand that to our students.” Said Danielle Chapman, Principal at Madison Elementary School. “One year her students studied, analyzed and created solutions around recycling at the school. Every day the students analyzed the items being recycled and/or being thrown in the garbage. The students decided to use the funding to purchase paper bins for teachers and students to collect used sheets of paper so that the backs could be reused. Darcie and her students earned the highest award a school can get with the National Wildlife Federation which is the Green Flag award.”

American Geosciences Institute's Edward C. Roy Jr. Award recognizes one classroom teacher from kindergarten to eighth grade for leadership and innovation in Earth science education. The award is named in honor of Dr. Edward C. Roy Jr., who was a strong and dedicated supporter of Earth science education. To learn more, please see www.americangeosciences.org/education/awards/roy.