Courtesy Photo / Bergan Catholic Elementary
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The City of Fremont Public Works and Engineering Department partnered with the Bergan Catholic Elementary to host a Storm Drain Stenciling Day recently at Bergan Catholic Elementary School.
The participants involved in the event were sixth-grade students, teachers and parents. Overall, 30 students and 10 adults participated.
“My teaching philosophy is based on the belief that students learn best when they engage in hands-on experiences tied to real-world problems,” said Katlin Vampola, Bergan Elementary sixth-grade science teacher. “This helps students of all ages build and practice important skills like critical thinking and problem-solving, which can be used to make a positive impact in the world around us.”
Fremont Public Works and Bergan Catholic Elementary collaborated on the event to encourage Fremont residents to reduce contaminants that make their way to our rivers and creeks. The event also served as a reminder that stormwater, unlike sewage, is untreated and storm drains carry stormwater to the nearest waterway. Debris and chemicals carried by water flowing through storm drains can threaten aquatic life and pollute our drinking water. Participants stenciled storm drains with a reminder of “No Dumping, Drains to River,” distributed informative notices, and collected six large bags of trash.
“As members of a community, we all have a responsibility to help young people understand how our actions affect the environment,” Vampola said. “Hopefully these types of projects empower students to use their skills and talents, on their own, to actively protect and preserve our natural resources.”
If you are interested in hosting a Storm Drain Stenciling Event, please contact Fremont Public Works and Engineering to register at: 402-727-2636 or veronica.trujillo@fremontne.gov.
