Exemplary Classroom of 2006

Capital Region Earth Force and Staples are proud to announce that Michael Wollins and his 7th graders from Thomas Jefferson Middle School are the recipients of the Exemplary Classroom of 2006 for their "Why High pH" project! Student submissions for the award were received from several schools and the senior staff of Staples Region 3 reviewed and selected the winning entry. Their decision was based on the criteria of:

• Teamwork
• The use of balanced research
• Implementing sustainable change
• Class interaction with experts
• Community engagement and outreach

Mr. Wollins' class tested the parking lot runoff from their school and found that the pH was too high. Through an Earth Force mini-grant, the students purchased additional pH testing equipment to test the pH of household products that could have been contributing to the runoff's elevated pH. Their tests revealed that detergent, Windex and Mr. Clean all had high pH levels. The students hypothesized that the school car washes were contributing to the elevated pH levels.

After voting on the best student ideas to disseminate their findings, the class offered an earth friendly car wash using ph-balanced cleaners and distributed flyers informing the public of how they can make positive choices to help their environment.

During the 2006 Youth Summit, Pat Girard, Staples Region 3 Vice President presented the Outstanding Earth Force Classroom Award to Michael Wollins and his students (see picture above). Alexandria’s Mayor William Euille and City Council Members Macdonald and Krupricka and Arlington County Board Vice Chairman Ferguson and Member Tejada were also on hand to wish the students a hearty congratulations for their good work.

Congratulations!