Retired Teacher from Highland Park Visits Over 400 Students to Help Save Our Monarchs

We wanted to share this inspiring story by one of our followers, John Perez, who has helped to create many Monarch educational opportunities within the Montebello Unified School District. We want to encourage all educators and teachers to participate in our Monarch School Program including those involved with 4-H, Scout troops, YMCA and other Community learning centers!
​Click here to find out how to get involved with Save Our Monarch's school fundraising program and receive free milkweed packets!

John has worked as a teacher and administrator within the Montebello Unified School District for 24 years. He is an avid environmentalist with a life-long passion for Monarchs and all living things.
When John read about the plummet in Monarch populations, he decided to take action. He said that serendipity allowed the story to unfold.
Initially, he ordered $35.00 worth of seeds with intentions to sell them at $2.00/package in order to raise money for the plight of the Monarch.
​
A former teacher and colleague invited him to read a book about Monarchs to her class and the word began to spread about his Monarch campaign. He then decided to join forces with his friend who is an actress and they put on a 20-minute musical play about the Monarchs.

They donated 60 Milkweed seedlings to the children in attendance and sprouted 100 mini-planters to donate.

Word of this presentation spread and John was asked by other teachers to share his play. Within 6 months, he worked with 8 separate schools and several classes participated in fundraising as well. 

​Many teachers and educators have heard of his Monarch campaign and have asked to be included. Bell Gardens Elementary has created a full-scale garden with Milkweed plants and vegetables. A parent/ volunteer has also created an incubation station where eggs are kept safe until they reach adulthood and then released.
At Greenwood Elementary, one teacher and his classroom have created a Pollinator Garden and dispersed 100 Seed Packets.

On behalf of Save Our Monarchs, thank you to ALL of the Monarch educators and teachers!

​

---