BKW teachers carry on semi-annual "Adopt-A-Highway" cleanup

For nearly 15 years, a two-mile stretch of road in the town of Berne has been under the care of BKW Teachers Association members.

This year, the tradition continued on October 2, when teachers donned work clothes and reflective road gear to take to the streets once again for their annual road clean-up tradition. The cleaning always begins where Route 443 meets Route 157A and continues on Warners Lake Road for about two miles. The stretch is marked by "Adopt a Highway" road signs indicating the BKWTA's cleanup efforts.

"This usually takes place once in the fall and once in the spring," says Physics Teacher Neil McConnelee, who participated in the October 2 cleanup. "We break into groups and clean the road in sections."

Afterward, the teachers usually gather for a break at a local restaurant.

Though the "picking crew," as Science Teacher Sheila Martin likes to call the group, was missing a few regulars October 2, Martin says more teachers will hopefully make it for the next cleanup in the spring. This year's crew included McConnelee, Martin, English Teacher Greg Speck, Foreign Language Teacher Sally Baker, Technology Teacher Joshua Baker, Foreign Language Teacher Marta Mueller, Math Teacher James Porter, Kindergarten Teacher Stefanie Scram and former 7th Grade Math Teacher Don Dennis, who retired at the end of last school year.

"We feel its important to help out the community where we spend so much of our time as well as set a good example for the kids who see us out there doing it," Martin says. "For me, as a science teacher and a community member, its a great way to spread the word regarding the importance of our environment and show how even the little things we do affect those around us. In addition, its a great way to foster camaraderie among the staff, outside of our classrooms."