Taking care of their community

While most field days for schools could best be described as organized chaos, Hewlett Elementary School took a different tack as its Physical Education department created a recycling-themed event last Thursday.

Students rotated around 10 different stations, such as “Clean the Trash,” “Litterbugs” and “Clean-up Your Backyard.” Each station involved materials that were made, instead of bought, so students could learn to recycle and reuse the items they already have. Items such as tennis rackets were made out of stockings and wire hangers and recycled balls were made out of newspaper and tape.

Hewlett Elementary Principal Sandra Pensak said the kids were having more fun than they do with store bought items. “We can do more with less,” she said. “Parents are learning with the kids that you don’t have to buy the next hot item at Toys R’ Us to have fun.”

Though the Physical Education department created and organized the event, it was a school-wide and community effort. “Teachers from diverse subjects worked together to show the kids that there are connections in different instructional areas,” she said. “This event explores the different ways we can think environmentally and raise awareness.”

Jesse Corben, Kelly Padavan and Paul Marquardt were three of the Physical Education Department teachers who helped organize the event. “This event is a culmination of things we do,” Marquardt said. “We teach the kids to reduce, reuse and recycle.”

“We hope the kids learn how to take care of the community they live in,” Corben added.

Kerri Weiss stopped by Field Day to watch her second grade daughter and fourth grade son. “The kids have fun and it’s good to get them outside,” she said. “They look forward to it.”

Cheryl May, Central Council PTA co-president and soon-to-be Board of Education trustee, watched her three children participate throughout the day. She said the PTA arranged for volunteers and provided the garbage that was used throughout the various stations.

“It’s a great event,” she said. “I have two kids on the blue team and one on the white team so I hope the red team wins so I don’t have any problems about who won and lost until next field day.”