Marine Park
Students at James Madison High School took conservation to the next level when they constructed Brooklyn’s longest plastic-bag chain, drawing attention to environmental issues.
Special Education students wrapped the record chain around the perimeter of the school building in an attempt to heighten awareness of the growing plastic crisis in our nation.
“Plastic is strangling our planet,” said one budding greenie.
The project grew after teachers Brian Schoenfelder, Jeanne Quarto, and Renee Kaiser asked conservation-minded students in their environmental science and botany classes to research an environmental issue and potential solutions. Students were also challenged with designing an event that could heighten awareness of the issue and prompt their peers to change a behavior that was adversely affecting our world. They began collecting plastic bags for recycling and repurposing, creating the record-breaking chain.
The students will now distribute reusable fabric bags to their peers in hopes of breaking their ties to plastic.
Borough President Adams showed his support, digging right in and helping the students wind the chain around the school.
“This event is so important because it helps kids shine, and take pride in their work and accomplishments,” he said.
Principal Jodie Cohen agreed.
“Every student has such great potential,” she said. “The secret is tapping into their unique skills or interests.”
Students broke the chain at the end of the day to symbolize breaking the plastic habit and saving our environment.
Standing O says, “Recycle, reuse, re-purpose.”
James Madison High School [3787 Bedford Ave. at Avenue P in Marine Park, (718) 758–7200].
