Although the litter pickers might be half their size or taller, Dallas ISD elementary students across the district are proving there are no age or height requirements to protect the planet and keep Dallas neighborhoods beautiful.
Throughout the spring, several Dallas ISD elementary schools will receive visits from City of Dallas Code Compliance Services representatives for an interactive learning experience. Through the Waste in Place educational curriculum, Neighborhood Code Representatives (NCR) are visiting schools to bring awareness to students about litter prevention, waste reduction, beautification, and community improvement. Following the in-class learning portion, students experience firsthand how their efforts help improve the world they live in. With litter pickers, trash bags, and assistance from NCRs, students roll up their sleeves to pick up waste near and around their campus.
“It is important that our students know that our campus is a reflection of the great things we are doing here at our campus,” said Mattique Williams-Lynn, assistant principal at B.H. Macon Elementary. Code Compliance visited Macon in March to kick off the educational series. “Also, keeping a clean campus promotes a healthy environment, which means fewer sick days will be used by the team and students will not miss instructional days because they are sick.”
In addition to keeping their campuses clean, Dallas ISD students are helping Dallas Code participate in the North Texas Community Clean Up Challenge (NTCCC). The NTCCC is a friendly competition between North Texas communities to see who can pick up the most litter per resident.
“It is important for Dallas ISD students to keep their neighborhoods clean because we believe it helps them form a better understanding of their environment and how they can make a difference in litter prevention and community improvement,” said Eric Onyechefule, spokesperson for the City of Dallas Code Compliance Services.
Students are encouraged to dedicate one weekend to cleaning up their neighborhood and around their school to set an example for their friends and family this spring.
For those interested in learning more about the Waste in Place curriculum, click here.
Schools participating in upcoming visits:
April 21: Bayles Elementary
April 27: Clinton P. Russell Elementary School
May 4: Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary School
May 5: Louise Wolff Kahn Elementary School
May 12: Ascher Silberstein Elementary School
May 19: Cesar Chavez Learning Center/
Photos courtesy of City of Dallas Code Compliance