Director Alan De Herrera is the proud product of the Fullerton public school system and wants to insure that future generations get the same great education that he did.
“I’m grateful for all that was done for me in my school years,” says DeHerrera. “I know that because money is scarce, a lot of children aren’t able to take field trips that enrich a young person’s educational experience. It’s sad because the kids miss out on some great experiences and learning opportunities.”
His solution to this problem is simple: if the child can’t go on a field trip, then bring the field trip to the child. Mr. DeHerrera plans to bring his “Oceans to the Classroom” program to McKinley Elementary School to not only educate kids and their parents but to also raise much needed funds for their PTA. Narrated by Hollywood actor Sean Astin(“Lord of the Rings”), “California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter” is a 40 minute documentary about the California sea lions and their Channel Islands habitat including the work of the Orange County Pacific Marine Mammal Center and has been featured at several schools in Orange County.
“The islands are a unique ecosystem just off the coast of southern California and many children don’t even know they exist,” says DeHerrera. “This will give them a chance to experience what it’s like to swim through a kelp forest, play with wild sea lions, and journey to many of the islands on land and underwater.”
He also hopes to assist the McKinley Elementary PTA in raising money that same evening. “People don’t fully appreciate what the PTA does, but these organizations purchase additional educational materials or fund learning enrichment activities. I am offering PTA groups the chance to have a “Movie Night” viewing of “Sea Lions” so they can raise money for their educational projects.
For more information about the “Oceans to the Classroom” see www.sealionsmovie.com.
