Over a period of five weeks, Page Middle School seventh graders collected 14,533 plastic shopping bags and delivered the bags for recycling at the Food Lion on Hargett Boulevard.

Driven by an interest to exceed last year’s collection as well as concern for the accumulation of plastics in the Chesapeake Bay, seventh graders collected bags during first block classes.

Math classes graphed daily collection amounts, while language arts classes analyzed articles about recycling. Science students studied the harmful effects of plastics that end up in the bay and adversely impact wildlife. 

In addition, guest speaker Leslie Bowie, Gloucester’s Clean Community Coordinator, spoke to the seventh graders about the recycling program in Gloucester County. 

Page teachers Holly King, Kierstin Wilson and school community engagement coordinator Debra Falkenberg initiated this bag collection. Teachers noted that the project inspired students to recycle more at home and to consid...