HIGHLAND PARK — The technology department at Bartle Elementary School will be getting new equipment thanks to a donation from Unitex.
In honor of Earth Day, the regional healthcare laundry industry business, with locations in the northeast, including New Brunswick, challenged students at the school to demonstrate how their class practices sustainability and makes every effort to protect the earth, according to a news release.
Second-graders in Tracey Maiden’s class won first place in the “clean and green” Earth Day 2014 contest and was awarded a pizza party, compliments of Unitex. Three runner-up classes, Lauren Smith’s third grade class and two fourth grade classes under the direction of teachers Jane Franchak and Jennifer Mayo, also received free pizza from the company.
In addition, Unitex presented a $1,000 check to Principal Lauren Fraser, which will be used to purchase projectors for each of the classrooms, Fraser said.
“It’s remarkable that a company like Unitex would partner with us to build a better future for our children,” Fraser said. “Sustainability impacts all of us and the donation from Unitex will help us purchase technology tools to help our students better develop the skills they need for the 21st century. Unitex was extremely cooperative and enthusiastic about the project. They went out of their way for us.”
Maiden’s second-grade class showed how others can be encouraged to conserve, save energy and protect the environment. The class split into four groups to develop the various sections of the project and after meshing everything together, they came up with the winning strategy — a three-dimensional collage of recycled items and earth friendly tips.
“It was a wonderful experience,” Maiden said. “The students enjoyed themselves when putting this project together and they learned new ideas. We are appreciative to Unitex for the opportunity and motivation to do something special in honor of Earth Day and are happy to have won the pizza party for the first place prize.”
While most of the students discussed how their families could be better at caring for the earth at home, second-grader John Bilton explained how he celebrates Earth Day everyday.
“My family is doing everything we can to be responsible at home all the time,” he said.
Unitex has planned other Earth Day school events throughout the northeast during the week.
“Our company is very committed to Highland Park, New Brunswick and surrounding communities so it was a natural fit to support the Bartle Elementary School in celebration of Earth Day,” Seth Gershman, Unitex’s director of marketing and communications, said. “It was incredible to see how engaged these children were in this contest and how serious they think sustainability really is. Our company strives to help protect the earth and it is a pleasure to see that these students think the same way.”
By: Susan Loyer: 732-565-7243 sloyer@mycentraljersey.com.
