A unique water conservation program started in Erin has expanded to two schools here, thanks to the efforts of Cathy Dykstra.
A sixth grade teacher at Erin Public School, Dykstra started the Water Rockers program last fall.
Since that time the program has twice received $1,500 grants from State Farm and the Water Rockers were a key factor in the Erin school becoming one of 10 across Canada to receive $25,000 earlier this year from Staples Canada for new computers as a result of local recycling efforts.
“Cathy deserves all the credit,” said State Farm agent Jeremy O’Donnell during a Nov. 25 cheque presentation at Montgomery Village Public School (MVPS) in Orangeville.
He added, “I was happy to jump on board and help out in the community.”
The Orangeville school and Erin Public School received $1,500 each this year from State Farm through the company’s Good Neighbour Student Achievement Grant, which is offered in partnership with Youth Services America.
The classes of Dykstra and MVPS teachers Lyndra Brown, Marc Mailhof and Susan Penfold, were the only four in Canada to receive the grants this year (126 American teachers/classes received the grant in 2014).
Island Lake Public School in Orangeville, through the efforts of grade five teacher Jenn Bailey, has also started its own Water Rockers program with the aim of next year also receiving the Good Neighbour Student Achievement Grant.
“It’s such a great thing for the community,” Dykstra said of the program.
“It’s important … young people have to appreciate the amazing water that we have and how important it is to protect it.”
She explained the Erin students oversee the “Blue W” program in the Town of Erin, encouraging businesses to allow customers and community members to fill up their refillable water bottles at the businesses.
All of the Main Street businesses in Erin support the Blue W program, and the school has also
replaced all of its water fountains with refillable water bottle stations.
Dykstra said the Water Rockers program aims to combine “learning and research with a real-life purpose that will help others.”
She hopes that through the program, students will develop their confidence, realize their strength as leaders, and achieve a deeper understanding of their ability to transform the world around them.
“Even at the age of 11, they can make a long-lasting, positive impact on their school and community,” said Dykstra, who told the Advertiser the Water Rockers program plays a role in every subject her students are taught in Erin.
“The kids love it that much,” she said, noting it is not difficult to tie water conservation efforts in with lessons in math, science and other subjects.
Dykstra added she is very pleased with the success of the Water Rockers program in Erin, which prompted teachers in Orangeville to take notice and want to expand the program to their respective schools.
It is her hope that one day the program will be expanded to the entire Upper Grand District School Board – and beyond.
She said the local board has already expressed an interest in incorporating the program in all its schools.
