On April 27th, the school was sent out into the community to help with Arnold’s fifth annual clean up day. Mrs. Lewis organized the students and the teachers into groups to go to the 35 places that were on the work list. Most of the jobs consisted of yard work and hauling away debris. There were 2 groups that hauled very heavy debris, construction waste and appliances.
“The students look forward to this day each year. They really enjoy helping people with chores that they couldn’t have done themselves.”
There were 13 crews that were working. Teachers and rotary members led the groups and took the kids around town. To start the day, everyone met at the community center. A breakfast of homemade donuts was provided by Donna Larson. After breakfast, the crews headed out to start on their projects from the detailed list compiled by Patty Lamberty at the Chamber Office. In the middle of the morning, snacks were provided by the bank, and many community members.
After finishing up most of the projects, lunch was served by the chamber members. “We could have done a little more because we have become more efficient at getting the right crew to the right job, and then we keep moving,” said Mrs. Lewis.
Following lunch, the cemetery and the Arnold Recreational Area were cleaned up with a lot of groups picking up branches and trash, as well as other public access areas. The day was a great experience for all the students because not only did they get to help out the community, but they also learned how important it is to serve their community.
Thank you to Patty Lamberty for organizing the list and being the main contact for community members to request help. We also want to thank Melody Jennings for coordinating from the Rotary end and getting members lined up there. And last, but not least, we want to thank Mrs. Lewis for lining up the students and staff to make this day happen.
The community clean up project began five years ago as a senior community project led by Mrs. Moninger. The second year, all of the high school students helped to clean up the Lower Powell Cemetery. The 3rd and 4th years were when the junior high students and elementary students began to also take part with town projects and a more organized system of “getting on the list” to have things done.