Eighth‑grade students present civic action projects on recycling, start times, mental health and vaping

Eighth‑grade civics students presented a series of action projects at the Foxboro School Committee meeting May 27, describing local efforts and research aimed at changing practices in the district and raising public awareness.

Mr. Gil, the grade‑8 civics teacher at Hearn Middle School, introduced the student presentations and said the action‑project curriculum gives students experience working with adults and community officials. Student presenters included Ella (recycling), Veronia and Kenzie (later school start times), groups focused on mental‑health awareness and Will (vaping awareness).

Ella said her group discovered that paper is the largest recyclable waste source at school and proposed arranging more frequent shredding/recycling pickups of used paper to reduce trash. Veronia and Kenzie cited studies they said link later school start times to improved cognition and safety, and identified transportation and scheduling as obstacles. Multiple groups focused on mental‑health causes and resources; students said they compiled hotline numbers and posted posters linking to the Foxboro website. Will and classmates described vaping outreach, noting an estimated 5.9% teen vaping rate and their attempts to contact state representatives.

Committee members thanked the students and asked that poster exemplars remain in the lobby for other families to see. The committee did not take formal action on student proposals but encouraged continued student engagement and follow‑up with administration.