At the beginning of February, Nitschmann MS's eighth grade Team NOVA launched a sustainability-based service-learning project utilizing local and national outlets to reuse and recycle shoes and sneakers.

Service learning projects are designed to integrate community service into the classroom curriculum, creating connections between the subjects learned in school and practical application of these lessons while also giving back to the community.

Tanya Hood and Michelle Wallach, two of the driving organizers behind Team NOVA's project, explained that because middle school teaming has only recently been reinstated, they were motivated to organize a project that demonstrates what students can accomplish as a united force. Wallach stated that the project aims to promote a communal atmosphere for Team NOVA's students, while also reinforcing high academic, social, and behavioral standards.

The project was inspired by the nationally-accredited Nike Reuse-A-Shoe program, which collects used sneakers to be recycled into new sneaker components as well as basketball courts and other athletic facilities. Hood suggested the program as a great starting point for the project because sneakers are a commonly accessible item for students. Additionally, students are familiar with Nike products and facilities, which provides a tangible connection to the recycling process.

In addition to recycling sneakers through Nike Reuse-A-Shoe, students will be donating shoes to New Bethany Ministries, a homeless shelter located in Bethlehem's Southside. This component of the project is designed to create connections between students and their local community.

Hood noted that many of her students felt fairly removed from South Bethlehem, and learning about New Bethany Ministries is opening their eyes to what exists in the city. Fostering awareness is particularly relevant for eighth graders who are beginning to consider the high school community service requirement, as the connections to New Bethany Ministries created through this project can open doors for more local service opportunities to be pursued in the future. In fact, as a direct result of this project, many students were inspired to begin baking homemade treats for New Bethany Ministries, and Wallach and Hood will be taking student volunteers to serve the shelter's clients on a monthly basis for the remainder of the year.

Through the month of February, Team NOVA students collected sneakers and shoes to be divided between Nike Reuse-A-Shoe and New Bethany Ministries. Students who do not have the resources or ability to donate contribute to the project through their artwork. Students will be drawing sneakers that will be posted outside Team NOVA classrooms to represent the number of donors.

Wallach explained that "students will have the opportunity to help out in whatever facet of the project they are able to, and donating time and talent is just as valuable as donating physical items."

One of the broader lessons Team NOVA hopes to illustrate through the project is the importance of thinking of oneself as part of a greater community, which includes both giving back to those in need as well as reducing waste.

The project has garnered a lot of excitement amongst the participating students. While it is being implemented solely by Team NOVA this year, Hood and Wallach believe there is potential for a recurring project and are considering expansion in future years.

"It's a lot of work," Hood said, "but the benefits and outcomes will far outweigh any of the difficulties. The project instills communal values, as well as reiterates our sustainability lessons - it really connects what our students are learning in the classroom to real life problems and potential for action."

Team NOVA is looking forward to delivering their donations to New Bethany Ministries on March 13.