Thousands of ladybugs now call Wheaton their home

In celebration of Earth Day, teachers and students at Chesterbrook Academy Preschool in Wheaton released over 13,000 ladybugs on Monday.

Ladybugs serve as a natural pesticide, feeding on harmful insects like aphids. The school purchased the bugs online and released them onto the schoolyard’s plants, flowers and trees.

The academy’s 16 teachers and 130 students have been studying life cycles, plant growth and recycling. Student ages range from 6 weeks to 6 years.

Principal Colleen Daly said past Earth Day activities include making planters out of old tires and self-portraits using recycled newspaper.

“We have also learned about the importance of keeping our environment clean through neighborhood walks,” Daly said. “Additionally, we have observed the life cycles of ants and praying mantis by observing them as they grow in their habitats. Once they mature, we let them go to move into their new homes out in nature.”

The school is part of Spring Education Group with a Links to Learning curriculum that “combines learning experiences and structured play to help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally — all while having fun.”

Daly said it takes a team of teachers, students, staff and family volunteers to help make Earth Day events happen.

“Earth Day is an exciting day for all of our students,” she said. “We love to watch each student's expressions at all ages as they learn about the importance of taking care of our Earth and what we can do to contribute to its beauty,” she said.