The G.R.E.E.N. Team (Growing Recyclers for Earth's Environmental Needs)
Thursdays have been designated as “recycling day” at North Pike Elementary School. Students and teachers are encouraged to save paper and aluminum products to be recycled and are asked to bring these items from home to be deposited in the school’s recycling bins. Student volunteers arrive early each Thursday morning to help manage the recycling bins and materials as they come in. Parents work with teachers in order to ensure that students arrive early on their designated day. A supervising teacher oversees the drop-off area as students collect, sort, bag, and transport materials to a holding area. Later in the day parent volunteers pick up collected materials and haul them to the local recycling plant. Items such as drink pouches and chip bags are also collected continuously throughout the school year for “upcycling”. Students are responsible for sorting, counting, and preparing these items for shipping. Once shipped, these materials are used to create unique products. Students are learning to care for the environment by being responsible for their actions and by using problem solving skills to help improve their school and surrounding community.