A Herrick Middle School eighth-grade social studies class is on a mission.
Teacher Jay Swanstrom’s second period class has been working on an assignment known as “Project Citizen” in an effort to not only help clean up the Downers Grove school, but the community at large.
| For more information For more information about Herrick Middle School’s community recycling project, or to make a donation, call teacher Jay Swanstrom at (630) 719-5810. |
After a workshop put on by the Constitutional Rights Foundation of Chicago, the class decided to cut down on pollution inside and outside the building. To accomplish this goal the class is decorating the school’s recycling bins, hoping that the bins stand out and fellow classmates and teachers will use them more.
“We think this project is important because we have noticed an increase of trash building up in our town and would like to see our town become a cleaner and more people friendly place,” student Shannon Matook said. “I think that because of our actions, that the students and even teachers will make the better decision when they choose to recycle.”
The class dedicates, on average, one class period per week designing recycling bins. Students want to show the recycling bins to Mayor Ron Sandack, in hopes he will put them outside downtown stores.
“When we present a recycling bin to the mayor, I think he will have a feeling of pride that a class in Downers Grove was able to accomplish such a goal and make the community a better place,” said student Marissa Blake.
Swanstrom said the vision for his class is to have students create designs for recycling bins in each classroom at Herrick. Next, they would select designs with sponsor names and logos that could be applied to bins dispersed throughout downtown.
“I think that this project is vital because it teaches kids that they are powerful and have a voice. They should stand up for what they believe in instead of just standing by and doing nothing,” Swanstrom said.
The students have raised more than $300 through a fundraising strategy known as a penny war. Their goal is to raise $1,500 to help the village purchase appropriate recycling bins. Although students have made calls and sent letters to local businesses asking for their sponsorship, no one has stepped forward to support them yet. Swanstrom said the class remains optimistic that will change.
