Long Branch Students’ Inspiration Leads to Beach Clean up

Thirty seven seventh grade students from Ms. Candice Bidner’s writing class at Long Branch Middle School traveled to Pier Village beaches on Thursday, May 31 to pick up litter.

In the spirit of Earth Month, the students read a book about the effects of trash in our ecosystem which impacted them to make a difference and serve their community. The book was called, Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam, and the Science of Ocean Motion By Loree Griffin Burns. In 2007 Tracking Trash was named The Washington Post’s Book of the Week.

Throughout the book, the effects of ocean pollution are discussed and analyzed in an attempt to understand and prevent ocean pollution. The book introduces a story about an oceanographer, Dr. Curtis Ebbesmeyer who began to track trash after finding numerous amounts of shoes and toys washed up around his home. Tracking the trash caused him to learn about the ocean current. Curtis’ story was one of the many that are described throughout the book to give the students an understanding of ocean pollution.

Bidner seeks to make learning fun for her students. Each book that she chooses is relatable to the students’ lives. In order to create a full understanding of the book, Bidner finds ways to include a hands-on learning experience along with the reading aspect. Once each book is completed, Bidner either allows the students to write to the authors about their reactions or fulfill the same tasks from the book. The students were so touched by the book that they felt they needed to go out and clean up Long Branch’s beaches.

“It was a beautiful day, wonderful weather, and the students really got in the spirit of the activity,” Bidner said.

“I think it’s very rude how people just throw trash anywhere when a trash can is so close by,” seventh grade student Vitor Souza said.

The students were very enthusiastic about the clean up and what they learned from the book.

After reading the book, the students realized that we are all able to make difference.

“It feels good to know we helped out our neighborhood and our community,” seventh grade student Kailah Yeye said.