NAES launches Recycling Wednesdays program

New Albany, MS- In collaboration with Recycle New Albany, New Albany Elementary School launched its Recycling Wednesdays program last week.

Students from Mrs. Christy Pipkin’s 4th grade class demonstrate the correct steps for recycling plastic milk containers. (L-R) Jesus Pedraza places trash in the trash bin; Laken Hopkins demonstrates putting the milk tops in the “Tops” bin; Kyle Wommack pours out leftover milk in the “Waste” bin; and A’Treszer Freeman prepares to put the empty milk bottle in the “Plastic” bin for recycling.

Representatives from Recycle New Albany, Amy Livingston and Amy Whiteside, met with New Albany Elementary School’s Principal Jamey Wright, School Counselor April Hobson, and EXCEL teacher Ninabeth Capaning during the summer to discuss ways to expand the recycling program at New Albany Elementary School.

At that time it was decided to focus on recycling the plastic milk bottles and water bottles used in the cafeteria.

Principal Jamey Wright states, “We are excited about expanding the recycling program at New Albany Elementary School. It is important to us to bring awareness to both students and their parents about the benefits of recycling.”

Each Wednesday at lunch, students will have the opportunity to place their plastic milk bottles and water bottles in designated recycling bins. In addition, on Wednesdays, students are encouraged to bring empty water bottles from home to place in the recycling bins.

Students from Mrs. Ninabeth Capaning’s EXCEL class get bins ready in the cafeteria for “Recycling Wednesdays.” Standing left to right: Jeb Bolen, Gregory Nelson, Mac Blackburn, Riley Blackard, Casey Hernandez, Will Hefner, and Mack Wallis. Kneeling left to right: Mason Keener, Lela Trout, Maggie Ann McNutt, and Nicole Strockbine

Cub Scout members from the First United Methodist Church, Pack 17, Den 1 as well as members of Mrs. Ninabeth Capaning’s EXCEL class will help with set up and clean up of the project each Wednesday.

Recycling bins will also continue to be available throughout the school each day for students to place paper and plastic products to be recycled.

First grade teacher Balinda Denton states, “The students are very excited about this, and we plan to incorporate recycling projects in our classroom.”