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Does the entire class have to participate?

While some teachers have their entire class participate, others make it optional or offer it as a means of extra credit.  If you only have a few entries, we do ask that you still complete the Contest Registration Form and make sure the students fill out the Student Label and attach it securely to the back of the entry.

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If the entire class participates, should I sort through and only send in the best?

No, please send them all.  This helps us know how many students took part in the contest and enables us to send a certificate of participation to every entrant.

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May I assist my students in any way?

We encourage class discussion to make sure the students stay on topic, but we ask that all work be done by the students themselves.  We do allow teachers to assist students in grade K-2 with labeling and mounting of posters.

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What are this year’s poster contest topics?

• Grades K-2: Create a poster showing your drinking water being used for recreational purposes (having fun!).
• Grades 3-5: Create a poster showing your drinking water being used for doing chores (either at home, in the yard, or at school).
• Grades 6-8: Create a poster showing your drinking water being used for health purposes.

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Do posters have to labeled and mounted?

No, but posters must be no smaller than 8.5 X 11 inches and no larger than 18 X 24 inches.

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What are this year’s writing contest topics?

• Grades 3-5: Write about what you think the greatest benefit was when sludge dumping into Boston Harbor stopped on December 31, 1991.
• Grades 6-8: Tell us how they would help spread the word to community leaders that Bay State Fertilizer is available to them and they should take advantage of this valuable resource. Many communities within the MWRA sewerage district use Bay State Fertilizer on their parks, athletic fields, and municipal landscaping.
• Grades 9-12: Devise a marketing campaign for Bay State Fertilizer which is purchased wholesale by golf courses and landscapers throughout New England and has been available locally through garden centers and nurseries since 1995.

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Must the writing entries been done on a computer?

No, they can be written neatly in ink.  Writing entries should be no longer than 2 pages and use only one side of the paper.

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What if I still have some questions?

If you still have questions, please contact Meg Tabacsko, MWRA School Program Manager, at meg.tabacsko@mwra.state.ma.us.  If you do not have access to email, please call Meg at 617-660-7975.

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