Focus
The projects on this topic focused on those things that could students felt could be improved in our town. Students brainstormed some improvements that they thought could help the community and then directed initial questions while researching their topics to Mayor Neff. Mayor Neff then was able to come to school to hear their presentations in-person. Click on the Yellow Buttons below to view the student presentations. Also read about what progress or feedback was provided regarding their suggestions.
This team wanted to see improvements made to the basketball courts that are outside of Markham. Mayor Neff heard their concerns and after their presentation reached out to the Public Works department. They are going to be powerwashing the courts once the weather gets warmer.
Team Members: Connor M., Jaxson, Kazu, Nolan and Sweeney
This group is looking to have car chargers more available throughout town. They researched the cost involved and also identified some potential locations. Mayor Neff agreed this would be a good thing to have but right now the costs are too much for the town to take on. However, they will continue to look into how to do this project.
Team Members: George and George
This student was passionate about having an official "dog park" in Little Silver. He researched some potential locations, looked at costs and suggested possible sponsors. While Mayor Neff really liked the idea as a dog owner himself, there really isn't the space available in Little Silver. He recommended people take advantage of all the great walking trails in town so that they can get as much exercise as the dogs!
Team Member: James T.
While this team felt our sports fields were adequate, they looked into how to improve and expand the existing fields that are located behind the town library. They felt they could raise money through offering their services for landscaping and shoveling. Mayor Neff loved the idea but it went back to the space available and costs for the town. However, he promised to bring the ideas to the Recreation Committee.
Team Members: Maddox, Ryan L. and Stephen
This group of girls wanted to hold a fundraiser in order to purchase toys and games that they could distribute to area hospitals for kids that are fighting cancer. They hoped to pair their fundraiser with one of the car washes that were being proposed by another team. Mayor Neff contacted the President of the Fire Company and both he and the Fire Chief were receptive to the idea of this taking place in the firehouse parking lot.
Team Members: Abby, Everly and Mackenzie
This group really wants an iPlay America location in or close to Little Silver. In fact, they created a movie to tell why they would like this. We wrote an email to iPlay America and included our video. Unfortunately, we never heard anything back from the company.
Team Members: Connor C., Harry and Jackson
Here is their letter:
To Whom it May Concern,
Good morning! We are 4th grade students that are working on projects that would help our town be a better place to live in. We are a small town with lots of great parks and outdoor areas, but on cold or rainy days, it would be great to have a place where kids can go to have fun playing games with each other. We think your company could provide that type of business in our community or maybe just somewhere close.
We created a little video for you to see what we are talking about. We hope that you can get back to us to let us know what you think. Thank you for your time!
Connor, Harry and Jackson
Point Road Elementary School
Little Silver, NJ