As we look ahead to the 2025–26 school year, Oak Ridge Elementary is working to bring back an important initiative that makes a big difference for our school community and our planet — the Composting and Recycling Program.
The program, which was once an active part of our student lunchtime routine, has slowed down over the past year. To get it back on track, the Oak Ridge Green Team is asking for the support of dedicated volunteers.
“If we haven’t met, my name is Molly Mangum, and I’m a 2nd grade teacher at Oak Ridge as well as the teacher representative for the Green Team,” said Mangum. “Unfortunately, a lot of the hard work we put into the composting and recycling program dwindled last year. We are in desperate need of volunteers to help us run it successfully again.”
Volunteers would assist during student lunch periods, helping guide students through sorting their waste and ensuring that composting and recycling processes are followed. This hands-on involvement supports sustainability education and reinforces our district’s mission of preparing students to adapt to a dynamic world.
An information night will be held at the beginning of the school year to share more details about the program and how families can get involved.
Those interested in volunteering can reach out to Molly Mangum at [email protected].
Together, with the support of our families and community, Oak Ridge can continue to be a leader in sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.