Fatima goes green

Sonya Burden is this year's Environmental Science teacher at Fatima Academy and quickly realized there was no one running the school's recycling program.

"I just identified the need for it," Ms. Burden stated. "It wasn't really being done and it went from there."

Following that realization, she and other Fatima staff thought to encourage students, money raised through recycling should go towards the lunchtime recreation program at the school, and purchase a Wii system for students.

Every Friday after that decision was made, the 12 students and custodian Cyril McGrath sorted through the recyclables and organized them.

Months later and after many plastic bottles, a Wii system is waiting to be set up for anxious students along with a new TV to accompany the state of art technology.

Fatima's woodworking group also had a large part in the project as they created the cabinet that would host the new recreation technology.

"I approached Mr. Callahan, the woodworking teacher," said Ms. Burden, who noted it is always a bonus when collaboration among classes can occur.

"The recycling project was a great experience for me and my classmates. Mostly because we knew we were helping out our Earth," said student Gabrielle Coffey. "Ms. Burden cites the positive environmental impacts as one of her main reasons of beginning the project, enjoying it, and resuming it even after the Wii system has been bought. The school has plans for the continued amount raised from the recyclables to further the lunchtime recreation program."

Another student, Chelsie Porter said she is excited to use the equipment.

"I think the entire thing is really exciting. It's something different to do at dinner, now, there is more things to pass away the extra time," Ms. Porter said. "I can't wait."

Ms. Burden said she was grateful for the custodian, Mr. McGrath's help.

"Every Friday, he was there. We needed a hand, so when I asked him for his help, he said yes. I don't think we could have done it without him," she said.

The school has high hopes for what the Wii system will bring. They hope that more students will get involved in recreation at lunchtime as a result of it's presence, and that they will enjoy participating in physical activity, overall.