Students at the Chesterbrook Academy Preschool have been learning about the important roles that bugs play in the environment, so it made sense that on Earth Day they would participate in a ladybug release for the fifth year in a row.

Noting that the overcast misty weather was perfect for the release, Principal Michele Somishka did the honors as she cut open a shipping bag containing 1,500 ladybugs.

She said that it was important to have the youngsters be active participants in their learning.

Some preschoolers dressed in ladybug shells and others wore ladybug headbands that had been made in their classrooms leading up to the release. Looks of wonder and giggles of laughter followed the release as ladybugs landed everywhere and tickled the preschoolers’ fancy.

Somishka said that parents are included because it creates a bridge between school and home.