To the Editor:

Last Thursday and Friday, approximately 360 sixth-grade Reed students hiked to Deep Brook and in-vestigated the water quality there, undertaking chemical testing, macroinvertebrate sampling, and visual analysis. This field trip was the kick-off to the students’ year-long investigation of water, as part of their science curriculum. But math, writing, and community outreach, among other areas of study, will be incorporated into this exciting project. The name of the project is GM GREEN.

As you can imagine, this effort was no small feat of organization and collaboration. I’m writing to thank the many individuals and groups who made these marvelous two days possible.

First, of course, is Reed Intermediate School. Special thanks go to Jill Beaudry, assistant principal, and Andrew Hall, Reed Math Science Specialist. Drew spent countless hours in preparation, and to-gether with Jill, made it safe for the kids and feasible within the constraints of schedules, regulations, etc. Some of the sixth-grade teachers used personal time to help.

Earth Force, a national environmental organization devoted to educating and engaging students, and General Motors, the funding partner, implemented and underwrote GM GREEN. Thanks to Kurt Moser, of Earth Force, and to Ingersoll Automotive and Chevrolet Northeast Regional Marketing, for making this possible. Several volunteers from GM came on both days to help out as well.

Locally, the Pootatuck Watershed Association (the local partner of Earth Force and GM) and the Can-dlewood Valley chapter of Trout Unlimited were key to making this happen. We were lucky to have several members of both organizations come to work with the students. And Rob Sibley, Deputy Direc-tor of Planning and Land Use, taught several sessions.

Last but not least, the Kellogg Environmental Center (part of CT DEEP) provided wonderful staff to assist in the technical aspects of the students’ water studies.

What a testament to collaboration across business, nonprofits and government. On behalf of PWA, I am grateful to everyone involved for the enrichment you’ve brought to a whole bunch of sixth-graders and their science education.

Sarah W. Middeleer

President

Pootatuck Watershed Association

PO Box 3303, Newtown         October 14, 2015