Lunchtime Waste Monitors
BUSD Green Star Schools
Purpose: To create a system for students to monitor and help fellow students sort waste properly. The goal is to share this responsibility across grades. Use these tips and download the schedule template below to help set up a system and schedule for student lunch monitors at your school.
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Make sure your cafeteria has a multi-sort waste station with bins for Compost, Recycling, and Landfill next to reach other and properly labeled with signs.
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Two students from one class could be assigned to monitor for their class or grade at lunchtime for one day, then two other kids from the same class the next day. Once you've cycled through that class, then it would go to the next class of that same grade, then after that, to a different grade. Or have different pairs split the lunch period, or only do it during the second half when most disposal is occurring.
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Monitors should be from second grade on up. (K and 1st may be too young, use your judgment).
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Teachers can give "extra credit" or "volunteer hours" or some other reward that fits with recognition for "good deeds" at your school. A recognition award at the end of the year may also be suitable.
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Add some excitement for student monitors by providing a special vest or t-shirt to recognize lunch monitors. You can purchase orange “safety vests”and decorate them with the class with permanent markets. Or, create a reuse project where students bring in decorating supplies and old t-shirts (maybe L or XL to fit over regular school clothes). You can use Green Team funds or ask your PTA for funds if you need them.
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Lunchtime assistants/volunteers/parents should be trained in what goes where. You can show the “Think Before You Throw” video from our website and/or do a demonstration at the waste station in the cafeteria.
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Student monitors should be trained on proper sorting. You can use the video, or a lesson. Students can practice role-playing and what they will say to other students and how they will demonstrate proper sorting. Training can occur during class, or at lunchtime. Provide students with some pointers on how to communicate with other students.
Use this template to create a schedule of lunchtime waste monitors at your school:
>>Download Lunch Monitors Template.doc