by Geoff Fox
It was a hot morning as fifth graders from Hancock Elementary took to the Western Maryland Rail Trail last Wednesday, May 20, to pick up trash as they learned to be part of the community.
Thirty-three students, six teachers, and four parents/chaperons walked from Pennsylvania Avenue westward just past Trulieve.
Kids picked up trash along the trail, putting it black trash bags they left along the way to pick up on the return trip back to Joseph Hancock Park where they had lunch.
photos by Geoff Fox
Sandy Deremer, GATE teacher at the elementary school said this was a project she got from the Deep Dive for Community Schools as this is the first year Hancock Elementary is a community school.
Deremer chose the project for a number of reasons.
“I thought that this would be great for our kids to learn, not just the history of the rail trail, but to also have family participate as well,” Deremer said.
The project was also to allow students to go out and see how they can be part of the community, make a difference and see what the community enjoys.
On Tuesday, members of the Hancock Historical Society came to the elementary school to talk to the fifth graders about the history of the C&O Canal.
The kids love to get outside, no matter the weather, and they were ready to go, Deremer said.
It also shows the kids how they can use and enjoy the local resource, as well as their families, but also gives a sense of agency, helping them realize they have freedom, and can make good choices.
“The choices that are good make everybody happy and benefits the whole community,” she said.
Student could also see what other people had done to trash and litter the trail.
The cleanup also let the kids get out and get physically fit while enjoying what the community has to offer.
After lunch, the plan was to get on the C&O Canal towpath and pick up trash along that trail.
Deremer said the kids were awesome and they just need a little guidance.
“They’re going to take it from here because they’re the future of the community and they will see how wonderful the community benefits from this and how wonderful this area is and hopefully enjoy nature,” she said.
