John S. Jones Elementary School kicked off its Bicentennial School Initiative project Thursday with its first recycling day, and got a good response, Principal Tanya Clark said. “We have a trailer that’s almost full out there,” Clark said, of recyclable material including cardboard and cans.
John Jones and Southside High School were selected by the Alabama Bicentennial Commission to receive $2,000 grants for proposed projects related to Alabama’s 200th anniversary. West End Elementary received an honorable mention grant of $500. John Jones’ proposed project celebrates the state’s past by looking toward the future — “Keeping Alabama Beautiful for the Next 200 Years.”
“We just wanted to do something to improve the community,” Clark said. The school has been recycling for about four years, she said, and the committee wanted to increase that effort and to get the community involved. While Thursday was the first collection day, the special project kicked off with a pep rally the week before, with an appearance from the project mascot, “Globie.” The response from students was great, Clark said. As students were leaving, one child walked by her and pumped his fist, she said, calling out “Mrs. Clark, recycle!”
The school had not promoted the program broadly before the pep rally, she said; still, the response was pretty good Thursday. “I believe it’s going to get better and better,” Clark said. “I think this is going to have an impact on our community for the future.
“Just looking at that trailer — it’s almost full — and knowing that much (material) won’t be going to a landfill,” she said, is an accomplishment. Part of the project’s goal is to teach the students that their efforts in recycling can make a difference.
It’s a lesson students — and adults — can use. Clark said while the committee was working on its proposal for the state commission, it occurred to her that she recycled at school, but not so much at her home. Future recycling dates have been set, including a few special efforts.
To read the full story, visit http://www.apalachtimes.com/news/20180930/john-jones-students-invite-community-involvement-in-recycling-project?start=5.