Two Schools: A Big Challenge for the EarthCARE Team!

July 8, 2006

South Marysburgh Central School, a Kindergarten- Grade 3 school is twinned with Athol Central School, a Grade 4-8 school with one EarthCARE team leading the way. Under the direction and guidance of EarthCARE Coordinator, Amira Miller many activities have taken place this year at both schools.

Each classroom at Athol suffered the loss of their large garbage can in the hope that recyclables would increase while garbage decreased. Kaitlyn, a Gr. 8 student indicated that by replacing the large garbage can with additional, labeled blue bins as well as providing daily reminders and announcements made by the Recycling Team helped achieve this worthy goal. Dwayne Miller, Custodian only bagged 1 bag daily from the 126 students and 10 staff members.

The Junior Division used the Recycling programme to enhance their Data Management Unit in Mathematics. Counting the recycled items that made their way into the garbage and tallying the results added to a meaningful curriculum as well as heightening awareness for the EarthCARE goal.

South Marysburgh did their share with a month long Litterless Lunch Campaign in February. Parents and students were informed through newsletter items. Coordinator, Miller, said that although only one month was spent concentrating on Litterless Lunches, she feels that there definitely was carry-over into the remaining school year.

Miller added that she was "really proud of the effort everyone had put in this year" because she recognizes that change isn't easy.

Way to go, Athol and South Marysburgh!