My students are all a part of my environmental science class which is grades 10-12; all having different learning styles. These always turn out to be some of my favorite students because I get to know them on a personal level. I always get students in this class that might not really enjoy school or perform well in school. However, when they get a chance to have this class they open up and put in the effort. These are special students to me because they take care of my recycling program which is my baby. They take pride in being responsible for something that matters at the school. They take pride in the class because they have learned that recycling can change the environment and they are having a huge part in that here in our community. They are also good advocates for the community about recycling and what that can do to make a difference in the school and the environment. They have learned what it looks like to be a positive role model in a school where that might be hard to do.
My Project
My project has been on going at our school for the last 15 years. The project is a recycle program that was started about 15 years ago with a grant that was used to purchase everything needed. However, the grant money ran out years ago and all the carts we use to transport hundreds of pounds of paper and plastics are falling apart. All the tires are either flat or just falling off and a new cart would go so far in helping my students continue to enjoy this program. We also use trash bags, gloves, and cleaning supplies every Friday we recycle, but all those supplies have run out. My school does not have the money to provide anything for this program that I am so passionate about and have been running for the last 8 years. I have been spending money out of my own pocket to continue this program and can not continue this in the future.
The real reason I want this program to continue is because students take my class so they can be a part of the recycling program and take pride in helping our environment.
My environmental science students pick up paper, cardboard, plastic, and aluminum each week from our high school and middle school. The students have so much fun while getting out of the classroom and doing something good in the process. Not only do the students enjoy the program staff members rely on it too. It would be the greatest disappointment at our school if this program had to stop because of money issues. We are a low income school where a lot of students and teachers don't have any extra resources. Just getting these supplies will help us continue the program for the next year or two.
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