Teacher Feedback
School Program Development & Support:

"Working with CVSWMD's School Zero Waste Program has been an instrumental part of Main Street Middle School's sustainability efforts. In coordination with John Jose, we have developed curriculum around sustainability issues, implemented that curriculum across the middle level and continued to work with students to reduce our school's waste stream. John and the CVSWMD team are a key community partner and we look forward to continuing that relationship and building a more sustainable community."
Don Taylor, Sustainability Program Teacher, Main Street Middle School
"This past fall, I taught an upcycling class in which students learned about the waste we create and thinking critically about how to reduce this waste. During this time, I connected with John Jose at CVSWMD for support. From providing relevant local resources, to recycling relays and a field trip to the ARCC, working with John and the CVSWMD School Zero Waste Program made the class much more community-based, relevant, and engaging for my students. John's expertise and rapport with kids was fantastic and essential to the class!"
Emily Merrill, Teacher, Twinfield Union School
Don Taylor, Sustainability Program Teacher, Main Street Middle School
"This past fall, I taught an upcycling class in which students learned about the waste we create and thinking critically about how to reduce this waste. During this time, I connected with John Jose at CVSWMD for support. From providing relevant local resources, to recycling relays and a field trip to the ARCC, working with John and the CVSWMD School Zero Waste Program made the class much more community-based, relevant, and engaging for my students. John's expertise and rapport with kids was fantastic and essential to the class!"
Emily Merrill, Teacher, Twinfield Union School
Virtual Readings for K-2 Classes:
"It was a great session.Thank you. We all really enjoyed your story, and your awesome discussion points. It was one of our best virtual experiences so far. I really like the platform you used for reading the book. It was excellent. We are so lucky to have community partners like you."
Susan Koch, First Grade Teacher, Union Elementary School" Thank you so much for continuing to offer your services this year! I've appreciated having that connection. The kids enjoyed having a special reader as well. We did continue the conversation each time after you left the zoom lesson and the kids 'got it'. We brainstormed a list of things we have at home that we possibly no longer need or want and have ideas of what to do with those things. The kids are really excited!" Rebecca Emerson, Kindergarten Teacher, Twinfield Union School "Thanks again for another great lesson! The kids loved the book and always enjoy chatting with you!" Vanessa Weinstein, Kindergarten Teacher, Union Elementary School |
Virtual Presentations of the 3-Part Series, "Blue Bin Recycling in Vermont":
"These lessons are so important for kids to learn how they can be stewards of their land in Vermont. As 4th graders are the oldest in the school, they are ready for more responsibility. John's virtual presentations were so engaging and lively. The quizzes at the end were interactive and gave great closure. We felt like he was right in the room with us, and now we are having wonderful discussions about recycling in class!" Melissa Pierce, Fourth Grade Teacher, Union Elementary School, Montpelier |
K-2 Classroom Presentations of "Sorting it All Out!", a Lesson Focused on Classroom Waste Separation:

"On behalf of our first grade team, I want to say thank you!! The children enjoyed your visit and learned so much today. Your workshop was clear, meaningful and so appropriate for this age group! They can't wait to compost and recycle tomorrow. And, they were thrilled to bring their folders and information home today!"
Lisa Felch, 1st Grade Teacher, Barre City Elementary Middle School
"My students learned so much and immediately came into the classroom after learning from John and applied their new knowledge. We made a 'small scrap paper' envelope to put small scraps of paper in, so the whole envelop can be recycled, rather than throwing all the scraps into the trash. The next morning they knew immediately to rinse their yogurt cups and then recycle them. It has been so fun to observe!"
Blakely Gilmore, 1st/2nd Grade Teacher, Calais ES
"The kids were eager to tell me at lunch how to sort their items! They are still questioning what can go where at times. This is a good thing! It means they want to do this and they want to do it well!"
Kathleen Flinn, Kindergarten Teacher, Williamstown ES
"I was appreciative of the fact that John not only read the book but had a discussion on the students' level about it."
Susan Connolly, 1st Grade Teacher, Chelsea Public School
"It was great to help my own knowledge of some specific items - like the black plastic and the tops to individual cereal containers."
Charlotte Baribault, Kindergarten Teacher, Barre City Elementary Middle School
"Great presentation and very engaging!"
Mary Gehlbach, 1st Grade Teacher, Barre City Elementary Middle School
Lisa Felch, 1st Grade Teacher, Barre City Elementary Middle School
"My students learned so much and immediately came into the classroom after learning from John and applied their new knowledge. We made a 'small scrap paper' envelope to put small scraps of paper in, so the whole envelop can be recycled, rather than throwing all the scraps into the trash. The next morning they knew immediately to rinse their yogurt cups and then recycle them. It has been so fun to observe!"
Blakely Gilmore, 1st/2nd Grade Teacher, Calais ES
"The kids were eager to tell me at lunch how to sort their items! They are still questioning what can go where at times. This is a good thing! It means they want to do this and they want to do it well!"
Kathleen Flinn, Kindergarten Teacher, Williamstown ES
"I was appreciative of the fact that John not only read the book but had a discussion on the students' level about it."
Susan Connolly, 1st Grade Teacher, Chelsea Public School
"It was great to help my own knowledge of some specific items - like the black plastic and the tops to individual cereal containers."
Charlotte Baribault, Kindergarten Teacher, Barre City Elementary Middle School
"Great presentation and very engaging!"
Mary Gehlbach, 1st Grade Teacher, Barre City Elementary Middle School