Last school year the Woodland Heights Green Team set a goal to recycle 45,000 lbs. of materials. The group of students, led by Woodland Heights Counselor, Kimber Bennett, surpassed their goal by collecting approximately 56,309 lbs. of cans, cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, paper and more.
A recycling trailer was placed on the school campus and students worked each Tuesday from 2:50 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. to collect and divide the recycling before placing it in the trailer.Bennett provided a detailed description of how the team functions and is able to collect thousands of lbs. of recycling each year. “There are five teams that are assigned to various areas of the school,” explained Bennett. “Each team has a leader that serves in that capacity for four weeks at a time. The teams go to their assigned areas and collect and sort the recycling before loading it in the trailer provided by the City of Brownwood. At the end of the session, all the teams meet back together to review the process and examine areas where they worked well together and discuss what can be done the next week to make the process better.”
The team has continued to surpass their goals each year since the original team was formed in 2008.
“The Woodland Heights Green Team was initiated eight years ago by Jordan Roberts and Madison Perry,” stated Bennett, noting that the pair are now freshmen at Brownwood High School. “The team consisted of fewer than 10 to 12 kids and we collected between 2000 lbs. and 3000 lbs. the first few years.”
The original team developed an application process that is still part of the recruitment for Green Team members. “They have to fill out a job-like application, complete with essay questions and three references that must be obtained attesting to strong solid character,” stated Bennett. “Part of the ‘job’ requirements include passing grades in all subjects and a strong work ethic along with honor and integrity demonstrated in all areas (the classroom, playground and outside activities).”
With yet another year that exceeded goals, the Green Team continues to grow and improve. The following are the goals for the last four years that have been surpassed:
2012 – 2013 Goal 18,000 lbs. Reached 21,466 lbs.
2013 – 2014 Goal 30,000 lbs. Reached 35,066 lbs.
2014 – 2015 Goal 37,000 lbs. Reached 42,219 lbs.
2015 – 2016 Goal 45,000 lbs. Reached 56,309 lbs.
Team members were asked what they learned and how they accomplished and exceeded their Green Team goals through the 2015-2016 school year.
“I learned how to help the environment,” stated team member, Ashlyn Soto. “I learned how to work together.”
“We worked as a team and stayed on track,” noted team member Aeryn Willey.
The 2015-2016 Woodland Heights Elementary Green Team consisted of the following students:
Third graders: Peyton Cockerham, Ryleigh Krische, Riley Morton, Tynlea Wilson, Aidan Pena, Caleb Modawell, Ethan Fuentes, Addison Lee, Sidney Windham, Adyson Neel, Madi Woodard, Madden Wise, Colton Stewart, Emma Putman, Noemi Ceniceros, Ross Strasner, Peyton Pena, Wesley Goodrich, Benson Henry, Roy Mascorro, Enrique Vazquez, Hayden Padgett, Victoria Cardenas, Kate Tindol, Elbion Thaqi, Easton Judkins, Addison Bennett, Dwayne Lyons, Alden Cecil, and Kaeden Byrd
The recycling trailer is scheduled to be at Woodland Heights Elementary again for the 2016-2017 school year as the team attempts to reach a 60,000-pound goal. The trailer is open to the public and will be on campus each Monday at 4:00 p.m. and stay through Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. All recycling should be placed in the trailer in the appropriate slots.
“Help us go above and beyond 60,000 lbs.,” said Bennett. “We will be collecting #1 plastics (i.e. water bottles, drained and lids off), cardboard, white office paper, magazines, shredded paper (bagged and tied off), metal cans, aluminum cans, and newspapers.”
Bennett expressed thanks to the following businesses and individuals that have contributed to the Woodland Heights Elementary Green Team: Kristi Owen (BHS Environmental Science class), Gate One Inn, Mr. Prahu, Cain Electric, Mr. Anthony Garza, Brown County Law Enforcement Center, Ms. Angie Sanchez, BISD Central Office, Karen Dempsey, Woodland Heights Neighborhood Association, Jennifer Fris and The City of Brownwood Recycling Center.
“All together we can make a great Green Team, and together we really can make the world a better place,” noted Green Team member, Kirsten Fijer. “Teamwork is the key to success.”
Additional photos of the Green Team can be viewed at:
Pictured above: (left to right) Madi Woodard, Enrique Vazquez, Will Stewardson
Pictured above: Students load materials into the recycling trailer. Pictured are Ashlyn Soto, Phillip Hatch, Ethan Fuentes and Madi Woodard.
