The Kenmore Middle School Clipper Team water project has been completed! The project began with water testing and research that was augmented with the wise advice from two community members: Diane Regas with the EPA and Maureen Farrell with Arlington Dogs.
For their action project, the students decided that the public needed to be informed about the Fecal Coliform Bacteria in Four Mile Run's waters. Students designed fliers and chose the best three. Approximately 3,000 were printed by students and distributed to neighbors, elementary schools and posted on community bulletin boards.
After distributing the fliers, students returned with positive feedback. Many were surprised that the adults did not know of the problem. Finally, students asked vets, pet stores, groomers, etc., if they could leave a stack of fliers for their customers. All were positive in their response.
Additionally, students collected grocery/newspaper bags to recycle at the Arlington Dog Parks. The dog parks have receptacles for bags, but often are empty. Ms. Farrell suggested that a supply here would be very useful.
In a rather unscientific count:
- 566 individuals were handed a flier and had a discussion of the problem
- 173 "bags full of bags" were collected
- Over 2000 bags were collected filling 13, 33 gallon trash bags
Four students chose to write a letter for a neighborhood newsletter or a letter to the editor about the problem.
Great job, Clippers!