On Thursday, September 8th, the students of John I. Burton were informed about an opportunity to volunteer with the Clinch River Coalition. Maggie Siddle from AmeriCorps VISTA extended the invitation to John I. Burton students; the goal of this coalition is to protect the Clinch River from pollution and to raise awareness about the endangered species present in the river. Maggie Siddle is reaching out to students in order to continue to spread awareness about these issues, as well as to get students involved in resolving these issues. The Clinch River has the top national waterways in the United States; It has over twenty-four endangered species in it. This is the first time that John I. Burton's students have been invited to participate in this local coalition; Mrs. Jane Carter, the head of John I. Burton's science department, is hopeful that this opportunity will spark student interest.
Mrs. Carter emphasized that this is not a one time activity. Participation in the coalition would continue throughout the year. The first interest meeting will be held on Monday, September 19, 2016. It will be at one o'clock in Mrs. Carter'[s classroom, lasting around fifteen to twenty minutes. The office will make an announcement dismissing students to this meeting, but only people who signed up can attend. The dead line to sign up for the Clinch River Coalition is on Friday, September 16, 2016.
Mrs. Carter pointed out that that the science department hopes to incorporate this project into Earth Science and Biology classes. She also hopes that this project will continue every year from now on. She said, " It depends on how this year goes if we continue it next year." If anyone would like to sign up for this project, please sign see Mrs. Carter as soon as possible.
Written by: Makayla M. and Austin Q.