Keep Polk Beautiful is currently seeking volunteers and donors for a local project as part of the Great American Cleanup, scheduled for April.

Van Wert Elementary School has been chosen as the location for this beautification project, and the fifth grade PEP (gifted) students, under the direction of Kristi Hunt, want to turn the central quad area into a nature center.

According to reports from Keep Polk Beautiful, these fifth grade students are using research and observations to measure square footage and the hours of sunlight for the area, among other things.

Because the area is visible from all hallways, the student body of Van Wert Elementary has submitted their suggestions for the area. Ms. Hunt has also requested sod. Bill Byrne has graciously agreed to donate his services for a landscape design.

Van Wert, a Rockmart elementary school that opened Aug. 14 of this year, has yet to receive a landscaping overhaul. At the entrance of the school, there is nothing but red dirt and weeds, so organizers are hoping to renovate that space as well if time and funds allow.

Keep Polk Beautiful is currently seeking volunteers and donations for this project. Anyone interested in partnering on this contribution to the school, the children, and the

community will be welcome. Materials may also be donated. The school is requesting the following items for the project:

. Picnic tables

. Apple tree

. Birdhouses

. Pond

. Sunflowers

. Trellis

. Bird feeders

. Bird bath

. Flowers

. Butterfly plants

. Dogwood

. Sundial

. Sitting Bench

. Podium for teachers

Bricks

Anyone interested may contact Sharon Coffman of Keep Polk Beautiful at 678-246-1083 or Van Wert Elementary at 770-684-6924.