Westside Recycles 10,000 Milk Jugs
by Jenni Drahota
10,000 Milk Jugs By May 1, 2009
Westside Elementary School in Norfolk, NE set a goal to recycle 10,000 milk jugs by May 1, 2009. Articles were sent home in the monthly news letter, students performed recycling songs and skits during assemblies, and daily and weekly intercom announcements were made about our progress. Fifth grade students made radio announcements and spoke to service groups and our school board promoting our program and recycling in general. Westside families told their friends and co-workers and our weekly totals grew and grew. A local ice cream shop, Tastee Treat, a senior citizen home, The Meadows, and our own Central Office, all contributed to our cause. Week One we recycled 46 milk jugs. Week 20 we recycled 1,130 milk jugs. Students were involved in the 21st Century Skills of conservation, communication and cooperation.
Far exceeding our expectations, Westside students recycled 10,000 milk jugs in 22 weeks. On January 20, 2009 we passed the 10,000 mark. And to keep our families recycling plastic, the Norfolk Recycling Center has agreed to put a plastics bin in our parking lot so that all Norfolk citizens can easily recycle their plastics.
