The Problem:
There is a lot of litter around our school. Students and community members are not disposing of their trash properly, making the school look messy and uninviting.
The Solution:
The KJBY Team (named after Keangelo, Jeremiah, Braden, and Yael) decided to take action. Their plan includes:
More Trash Cans & Recycling Bins – placing them all around the school to make it easier for students/community to throw trash away properly.
Litter Patrol Team – creating a team that will conduct daily checks of school grounds during recess.
Recycling Program – teaming up with Little Rock's Sustainability Office to start a school-wide recycling initiative to reduce waste and help the environment.
Awareness Campaign – using Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and Character Animator to create fun posters and videos that teach students about responsibility and sustainability.
Who They're Working With:
Clients: Mrs. Glover (Principal) & Mr. Exson (Head Custodian)
Partner(s): Ms. Partridge (City of Little Rock's Sustainability Office)
What They're Learning (CART - Critical Thinking, Advanced, Real, Teamwork):
C – Critical Thinking
The team analyzed a real-world problem (school littering) and brainstormed a multi-part solution. They had to consider why littering occurs, where trash cans should be placed for maximum effectiveness, how to motivate students to participate in litter patrol, and how to design an engaging awareness campaign that would influence behavior.
A – Advanced
The team is using advanced tools and professional-level software, including Adobe Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and Character Animator, to create a polished awareness campaign. They're also coordinating with the City of Little Rock's Sustainability Office, demonstrating advanced communication, planning, and project management skills beyond the classroom level.
R – Real
The team has identified and spoken regularly with clients Mrs. Glover (Principal) and Mr. Exson (Head Custodian). They're also partnering with the City of Little Rock's Sustainability Office.
T – Teamwork
The team works collaboratively to divide responsibilities to bring the project to life. Each member plays a crucial role, whether it involves designing media, contacting partners, or presenting to others. They also work with adults in the school and city, showing they can be part of a larger team with shared goals.
What Makes "Don't Be Trashy" Unique
Student-Driven Leadership - The team identified the issue of litter in our school, devised a plan, and guided the entire project from inception to execution.
Tech-Enhanced Approach - Instead of just picking up litter, they're using Adobe Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and Character Animator to create fun, engaging posters and videos that educate and inspire students to take action.
Long-Term Solution - The team has developed a plan that addresses the issue over the long term. Their strategies include increasing the number of bins, initiating a recycling program, implementing daily litter patrols, and launching an awareness campaign.
Community & City Collaboration - The collaboration with Principal Glover, Head Custodian Mr. Exson, and Ms. Partridge, Little Rock's Sustainability Officer, is vital for this project. Their partnership not only enhances the project's sustainability but also aligns it with real-world applications.
Peer-to-Peer Impact - A key aspect of this initiative is the peer-to-peer motivation it inspires. When students see their classmates leading this charge, it encourages them to become involved as well. This project instills a sense of responsibility and pride among students in maintaining a clean school environment.
Community Partner Involvement
Partner Name: Ms. Partridge
Organization: City of Little Rock – Sustainability Office
Service Provided:
Ms. Partridge has played a key role in supporting the "Don't Be Trashy" project. She first met with the student body to educate them about the importance of recycling and its environmental benefits. Then, she met with the team to discuss the specifics of their plan and how the City of Little Rock could assist.
She is helping the team secure a recycling dumpster and bins for the school, making it easier for students and staff to recycle materials properly. Her partnership ensures that the recycling part of the project is both effective and sustainable.
Additional Community Outreach:
The team is also working with the Neighborhood Resource Center and plans to present at an upcoming Neighborhood Association monthly meeting. Their goal is to inform community members about the "Don't Be Trashy" project and encourage them to support cleaner, greener school grounds and the community as a whole.
Project Length:
The issue of litter around the school was first identified during the 2022–2023 school year. Although initial ideas were discussed, the project went dormant for a period.
In the 2024–2025 school year, the team revived the project and officially kicked it off with a school-wide cleanup on Earth Day (pictures included). Since then, the team has made steady progress, including:
Creating promotional materials for the Litter Patrol Team
Meeting with key staff members such as the Cafeteria Manager and FoodCorps to align efforts and gather support
Working closely with the Sustainability Office to move the recycling plan forward
Social Media:
No, the team has not promoted 'Don't Be Trashy' on social media but plans to share updates, awareness videos, and project highlights on the school's official social media platforms. This will help spread their message to a broader audience, including families and community members, and encourage participation from schools and the community.