Four years ago, a new integrated CREATE class was piloted in Cycle 3, unifying all CREATE disciplines - ELA, Math and Science - into one class. The students were a mixture from each of the 6th grade homerooms and the CREATE classes. This group was tasked with a challenge - enhance our recycling efforts at both schools. It was a precursor, in part, to the new Odyssey of the Mind program but instead made the problem real and focused the challenge locally on our own school community, town and state. It also infused a service minded purpose into the problem: to leave River Edge Schools a better place than when they arrived. Lastly, it encouraged the students to think beyond their time here and united them in a common cause that would outlast their tenure at Cherry Hill or Roosevelt. The objective was that their suggestions and ideas would be implemented and continue as a legacy of their graduating class.

The program was renamed CAPSTONE, to reinforce its status as a single, final project for all CREATE students before they graduate and move on to middle school. Past students have tackled many projects - recycling, indoor recess, composting, student clubs, snack stands and volunteering. Their ideas have been unique and fun. Each year, we look forward to identifying issues that resonate with our students and allowing them to propose and solve these problems, presenting their work in a full presentation at the end of the school year.

The Capstone CREATE program runs early in the year, beginning in mid-September and ending in October. This is an effort to "front load" this class and complete our work before any of the regular CREATE classes or Odyssey of the Mind begin in October. By running the class this way, we get a head start on this year's challenge and lessen any scheduling conflicts.

In order to facilitate the earlier start, Capstone CREATE is open to any 6th grade student who was in CREATE last year in 5th grade. By using that 5th grade roster, those letters go out in early September. Capstone CREATE will cease in October when Odyssey of the Mind starts and will pick up again after its completion. Students will finish their work, prepare their project presentation and rehearse for the CREATE Celebration.