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Center School Green Club tells committee it diverted plastic and composted tons of food; students propose solar and wildlife steps
Summary
Center School Green Club (grades 3–5) presented projects to the committee on May 26: they collected 1,088 lb of plastic film, composted 13,125 lb of food, repurposed items for animal shelters and created eco-bricks; they asked the district to consider roof-mounted solar and urged households to turn off outdoor lights.
Students from the Center School Green Club presented their yearlong environmental projects to the Long Meadow School Committee on May 26, outlining measurable results and community outreach.
The club — an afterschool group advised by Miss Brown and made up of roughly 40 students in grades 3–5 — described five committees and the outcomes of their work. The plastic‑film collection committee reported they have collected and weighed 1,088 pounds of soft plastics (items such as grocery and bread bags and bubble wrap) for proper recycling. The food‑waste committee said the school composted 13,125 pounds of food this year, and also coordinated donation of unopened breakfast items to families. Students described a donation drive that gathered about 280 gently used pet items (including 125 pet toys and other supplies) delivered April 3 to a local animal organization.
Students also explained their eco‑brick project — plastic bottles tightly packed with non‑recyclable wrappers for reuse in benches or planters — and showed finished eco bricks to the committee. At the Planet Fiesta the club partnered with Cooler Communities and distributed reusable produce bags and utensil sets to encourage less single‑use plastic.
The group suggested district consideration of rooftop solar to reduce energy costs; presenters cited examples from other Massachusetts districts that used power‑purchase agreements to install panels with little or no upfront cost and tangible annual savings. The committee and superintendent praised the students; the district announced the Center School has received recognition from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and from the Arbor Day Foundation.
The committee also used the student presentations as a moment to thank Center School principal Donna Hutton for more than 30 years with the district; members noted her 17 years as Center School principal and wished her a happy retirement.
What the committee will do next Committee members applauded the students and encouraged staff to consider their solar suggestion as the new middle school will be built 'solar ready.' The presentation prompted no formal vote but the district plans to continue sustainability and student‑voice programming.
