INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — In effort to create a more healthy environment, four local schools have launched a recycling program, officials said.
The schools that will pilot the program are Storm Grove Middle School, Vero Beach High School Freshman Learning Center, Pelican Island Elementary School and Rosewood Magnet School.
“We are so excited to see students actively participate in recycling initiatives that will safeguard and protect our environment,” said superintendent Mark Rendell. “We hope that these actions become habits that they will practice throughout their lifetime.”
Teachers, staff, School Board members, County Commissioners and community members will be at each of the schools this week supporting the students in their mission. Each school will have a recycling center set up in its cafeteria.
Data will be collected at the schools in order to track the decrease in garbage with the recycling program in place, officials said.
Stephanie Fonvielle, recycling education and marketing coordinator for the Solid Waste Disposal District, said the students and staff have done a phenomenal job so far with the program.
“The students were well prepared for the changes in the cafeteria and they impressed us with how well they sorted the recyclables,” Fonvielle said. “The volunteers at all four schools reported that they were really impressed with how organized the school staff was and how well the students followed the new instructions.”
The recycling program was made possible through the School District, in partnership with the Solid Waste Disposal District, grants from the Carton Council and the Waste Management’s “Think Green” program.
“This is a great example of how different agencies can work together for the benefit of the community,” Rendell said. “We are thankful for the support provided by the Carton Council and Waste Management.”
Earlier this year, Pelican Island Elementary earned the Green Apple designation and is working to become a “Green School.” The school also will be composting its food and biodegradable trays, officials said.
Officials hope to expand the program to all district schools in the future and educate student ambassadors who will grow into responsible, environmentally conscious adults.
School locations
- Storm Grove Middle School, 6400 57th Street, Vero Beach
- VBHS Freshman Learning Center, 1507 19th Street, Vero Beach
- Pelican Island Elementary School, 1355 Schumann Drive, Sebastian
- Rosewood Magnet School, 3850 16th Street, Vero Beach