U. S. Coast Guard Helicopter Visits Leonard Elementary

U. S. Coast Guard Helicopter Visits Leonard Elementary

It's not every day of the week that a real live Coast Guard helicopter lands in your backyard, but that's exactly what happened yesterday at Leonard Elementary School. Leonard students have been learning about water safety, conservation and the importance of clean waterways, and 5th grade parent, Coast Guard CDR Matt Dooris used his connections to provide a blue pillar learning opportunity to connect learning to their world that Leonard students won't soon forget.

The entire student body gathered on the back field, and eagerly awaited the arrival of the orange helicopter so visible against a perfect blue sky. After several circles around the playground, the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter made a perfect landing in the grass, as teachers, parents and students cheered. They then lined up by grade and class and had the opportunity to get up close to the helicopter, to see the inside, and ask questions directly to the pilot team of Lt. Junior-grade Pilot Matthew Zavalij and Senior pilot, Aircraft Commander Matt Smith. It was interesting to learn that it only took 6 – 7 minutes of airtime for the helicopter to travel from Selfridge Air Force Base in Harrison Twp. to Leonard.

Then it was time to go back inside, where Marine Science Technician (MST1) Cody Mclaughlin, MST2 Tyler Smith and Operations Specialist (OS2) Emily Muhlenbeck showed students a video about the Coast Guard, and did a hands-on learning demonstration of their complex protective uniforms by asking Leonard teachers Dave Russo and Lisa Carruthers to try the outfits on. With assistance, of course.

In all, it was a wonderful and interesting day of learning at Leonard. As the pilots prepared for takeoff to return to Selfridge, CDR Dooris said “I am so happy everyone had a good time and learned a little bit about what we do. I truly appreciate the opportunity to allow us to come in and tell our story.”

Leonard Principal Dr. Erin Detmer agreed, saying “I am ever so grateful to be able to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with our students. It is sure to be a day they will remember forever! “

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2 Classes: Mrs. Kalinowsky and Mrs. Brown’s 1st grade classes

4 first graders from Mrs. Brown's room in the rescue basket: Paul Abdelsayed, Mihika Shrivastava, Evalynn Losey, Aditi Raikar

Heli4 & Heli5: MH-65 Dolphin landing

IMG 5200: Leonard Teachers Dave Russo and Lisa Carruthers try the uniform on, assisted by Marine Science Technician (MST2) Tyler Smith and (MST1) Cody Mclaughlin.