Recycling in Claysville

Fifth grade students at Claysville Elementary School felt that it was about time they had paper recycling in their school and community. They learned about a company that would actually pay the school to recycle, and this seemed exactly what they were looking for. They sent surveys to every family in the elementary school asking them if they thought the lack of recycling facilities in the district was a problem, and if facilities to recycle paper existed, would they would recycle. 74% of the people of the respondents felt that recycling was important and hoped for facilities, so they knew they had to keep going!

The 75 5th graders split into three groups: an art team, a song-writing team, and a persuasive writing team. The art team created an informational brochure, posters, and other artwork to help spread the word in the school and community about the importance of recycling. The song-writing group wrote a song about the importance of recycling to serve as the theme song, and also to help get our point across to school officials. The persuasive writing group researched and wrote a persuasive speech on the attributes of the Earth Force program, the need for paper recycling, and the benefits of partnering with a paper recycler.

In April, they had the opportunity to present all of our work to our PTO, who promised to back us 100% in our efforts. In May they presented to the school board, superintendent, and the head of our custodial / maintenance staff. The school board unanimously approved putting the recycling bin at Claysville Elementary. It is expected to be placed on the school grounds in July!