Dorsett Shoals Creates Cleaner Air

On days like today when the air quality in the area is poor, most of us acknowledge that it’s just a terrible thing and then the realization sinks in that we can’t do anything about it and so we move on with our already too-busy lives.

But the students, faculty and parents at weren’t daunted by the seemingly herculean task and set out to make some small changes that made a big difference.

"Our principal, Kacia Thompson encouraged the school to take the lead in improving the health of our students by participating in the (Clean Air Campaign's School) No Idling Program," said Lelia Weathers, the school's counselor.

"Student council members collected pre and post data for one week, counting the number of cars that were idling," she said.  "No idling signs were posted by our school custodians for visitors, parents, students, and teachers to view. Classroom teachers sent home flyers with students from the Clean Air Campaign educating parents on how vehicle exhaust affects our children."

The school registered and completed the no-idling program and reduced idling by 94.7 percent.

"Dorsett Shoals Elementary School is proud to be a member of the Clean Air School Campaign," Weathers said. "We will continue to work together to make a difference for our future leaders."

Nine Douglas County schools are taking part in the Clean Air Schools program for the 2010 - 2011 academic year. By learning to “repair the air” with the program's no idling initiatives, promoting carpooling and alternative modes of transportation (walking and riding the bus) and learning about the air we breathe through creative lesson plans, students become stewards for good air quality.

The nine Douglas County schools participating are:

Beulah Elementary

According to the Clean Air Campaign, these are the top five districts, by participation rate, in Clean Air Schools Programs:

-Marietta City Schools: 58 percent
-Muscogee County Schools: 56 percent
-Gwinnett County Schools: 49 percent
-Cobb County Schools: 41 percent
-Douglas County Schools: 35 percent.