For Immediate Release

Friday, Sept. 7, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

KRES New London Club Helps Students Explore All Aspects of Environmental Science

NEW LONDON — With a new school year underway, students at Kearsarge Regional Elementary School New London will once again have the opportunity to delve into environmental science through the school’s E-Club.

In the 3 1/2 years since the club’s founding, membership and attendance at the bi-weekly meetings have grown dramatically, and the club’s mentors have guided students through a constantly-expanding set of activities.

Last year, the club included three dozen fourth and fifth grade students who took part in a broad range of projects that both support their learning and benefit the school community.

E-Club members have labeled recycling containers in the cafeteria, planted flower and vegetable gardens on campus, maintained a grow lab for freshly sourced greens for school lunches and collected soaps, shampoos and other hygiene materials for those in need. Students have also gone out into the community to promote the use of more environmentally-friendly paper straws, and have led cleanup efforts throughout the school and nature trail.

The club also provides members with unique opportunities outside of the classroom, including learning about solar energy by building solar lanterns with the guidance of Revision Energy. Students additionally had a chance to attend the Northeast Resource Recovery Association’s state convention, where they learned about renewable energy directly from experts in the field.

The club’s mentors include longtime environmental teacher — now educational assistant– Harold Tuttle, who has overseen similar student organizations since 1980, as well as fourth grade teacher Steve Shepherd, school nurse Anne Carey and art teacher Cindy Marsh. Middle school students and parents in the community also provide guidance to E-Club.

“E-Club gives students so many unique opportunities to explore science and nature,” Tuttle said. “It’s great to see how much the club has grown, and how enthusiastically students, mentors and the community as a whole have supported the work we’re doing.”

This year, the club plans to reach out and work with seniors in the community, as well as local organic farms, and support the recycling efforts at all of the schools in the district.

E-Club’s projects are made possible by generous grants from New Hampshire Audubon, as well as by support from the KRES New London PTO.

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