Paws with a Cause

Paws for a Cause: Potter Road Winter Support Drive | Campanha de Apoio de Inverno da Potter Road

The recent government shutdown has deeply affected many families in our community. Some were working without pay, while others were struggling without the benefits they rely on. As a PTO, we’ve been asking an important question: How can we best support our Potter Road families in ways that truly matter right now?

While the school’s food drive for Daniel’s Table did incredible work, we know that our families’ needs go beyond food. This winter, we want to help ensure that every student feels warm, confident, and ready to learn—and that our families feel supported with dignity and care.

What we’re collecting

We are focusing on specific items that our Potter Road families have identified as most helpful:

Sweatpants & Sweatshirts (Youth sizes 10–14)
Cozy, comfortable clothing to help students stay warm at school and at home.
Sneakers (Sizes 4 and up, especially men’s 7–9)
Gently used or new sneakers so students can walk, play, and learn with confidence.
Gift Cards
1. Grocery stores
2. Walmart
3. Target
4. Amazon
5. Gas stations

Even $5 can make a meaningful difference. Gift cards allow families to choose what they need most, whether it’s food, toiletries, household items, or gas to get to work.

Drop-off details

Location: Potter Road School Office
Condition: All donations should be clean and in good condition.

We will prioritize getting these items directly to Potter Road families in a way that is discreet, respectful, and centered on dignity. Any additional items collected will be used in the school resource room to support students throughout the year and, when possible, shared with the broader community.

Together, we keep the magic going

This is more than a drive—it’s a chance to show what Panther Pride truly means. By coming together, we can:

Lift up families facing financial stress
Ensure students feel cared for and prepared
Strengthen the sense of magic, kindness, and community that defines Potter Road

Thank you for any way you’re able to contribute—whether by donating, spreading the word, or simply keeping our Potter family in your thoughts.

Paws for a Cause 🐾
Let’s take care of our Panther community, together.

Composting at Potter Road: Growing a Greener School Community

Composting has officially launched across all grade levels at Potter Road, giving students a meaningful way to learn about sustainability and take action every day. Through classroom lessons and hands-on practice, students explored why composting matters and how it benefits both our school and the wider community.

Thanks to our partnership with Black Earth Compost, students now compost all of their food waste during school meals. They’re also learning how to sort and dispose of food packaging correctly, helping to further reduce the amount of trash our school produces. This real-world experience empowers students to see the direct impact of their choices on the environment.

Introducing composting at Potter Road is more than a new routine—it’s a meaningful step toward building lifelong environmental responsibility. With continued practice, our composting program will reduce waste, strengthen our community’s commitment to sustainability, and help our students become thoughtful stewards of the planet.

The enthusiasm from our students has been truly inspiring. They dove into activities, asked thoughtful questions, and embraced the challenge of helping build a more sustainable school community.
Explore the ideas below for simple ways to continue supporting their learning and growth at home.

🏡 Composting at Home

Composting at home is a simple way to reduce waste while creating nutrient‑rich soil for your garden. It’s a win for your plants and the planet.
Learn more about how to get started here.

If you’re ready to begin, the Sanitation Division offers sturdy backyard compost bins for purchase at the Recycling Drop‑Off Center, located at 255 Mt. Wayte Ave.

Bins are $25 each and available while supplies last. You can also view detailed compost bin specifications here.

📞 Please contact the Sanitation Division in advance to confirm availability:
508‑532‑6001 or sanitation@framinghamma.gov

Recycle Your Old Socks with Smartwool’s Second Cut™ Project

Did you know your old socks can be recycled? Through Smartwool’s Second Cut™ Project, every sock—no matter the brand, color, size, or material—can be given a new purpose instead of ending up in a landfill. In partnership with Material Return™, collected socks are transformed into insulation for new products, helping reduce waste, conserve energy, and lower carbon emissions.

Join us in supporting a more sustainable future by participating in this simple, impactful recycling program.

Can I recycle damaged or heavily worn Smartwool products?

Absolutely. Second Cut™ accepts clean socks of any condition. Holes, wear, and mismatched pairs are all welcome.

How do I participate?

Just order a free sock recycling kit during checkout on the Smartwool website. Your kit includes a prepaid shipping label, making it easy to send in your socks.

Are there any requirements?

Yes—please make sure all socks are clean before placing them in your recycling kit. Clean items help ensure an efficient and effective recycling process.

♻️Black Earth Compost and the City of Framingham

The City of Framingham is committed to reducing waste and lowering carbon emissions by encouraging residents to compost—either at home or through a new partnership with Black Earth Compost.

Residents who subscribe to Black Earth Compost as part of the curbside composting pilot will receive one free curbside bin and a roll of liner bags, while supplies last.

This initiative is funded in part by a grant from the MassDEP.

🚛 NEW: Curbside Compost Pilot

Framingham is excited to launch a curbside composting program in partnership with Black Earth Compost, available to eligible households with four units or fewer.
On collection day, simply place your compost bin at the curb, and Black Earth Compost will pick up all of your compostable materials.

As part of this pilot, the City is providing one free curbside bin and a roll of liner bags to new Black Earth Compost subscribers, while supplies last.

Click here for more information.

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