April 14, 2005

‘Jan’s Cans’ fund-raiser brings in dollars, teaches ecological responsibility

Los Alamitos pushes recycling day

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

After a year of stockpiling, relieved Los Alamitos parents and excited kids relinquished bags of cans and bottles at the annual Jan’s’ Cans fund-raiser.

Not even a steady downpour would stop the steady stream of kids, including kindergartner Rene Blazing toting bulging bags to the recycling bin, all to raise money for early literacy. Photography by Kymberli Brady

The recycling started well before the school year and some students, like first grader Kevin Wach, watched as the pennies per pound effort mounted into hundreds of dollars—in his case, nearly $189.93 in molded plastic and aluminum. Additionally, second grader Caitlyn Weisner submitted her yearlong total of over $153.32 in receipts
Add to that, cash donations from over 20 families and a steady stream of students marching with bulging bags to the recycling truck donated by Recycling Specialists and you have another successful venture that expects to raise more than $2,200 this year.

Started by former Los Alamitos teacher Jan Whitlach, the one-day school-wide fund-raiser rakes in thousands of dollars to support the school’s Early Literacy Reading Lab, a project implemented by Whitlach and teaching partner Bea Macina. The reading intervention program for first and second graders offers additional support for beginning reading skills and is staffed entirely by parent and community volunteers under the direction of Gretchen Cochrane.

Additionally, Whitlach says that it teaches children the importance of being energy conscious and taking care of the earth. She calls it their giant “Earth Day Celebration.”

After 40 years teaching with San Jose Unified School District, Jan Whitlach may have retired last year but returned on Thursday to make sure her annual “Jan’s Cans” day lives on. Photography by Kymberli Brady

“When I am on yard duty, students stop and tell me about how they are recycling at home to help our school on the big day—even one year in advance!” Whitlach says. “It’s so exciting so see them involved.”

And what would a collection be without a little motivation? For their dedication, Wach and Weisner received first and second place honors, along with Earth Day water bottles and Toys ‘R Us gift certificates. They also earned root beer float parties for their primary classes with Mrs. Libs and Mrs. Felsoci.

Third place went to first grader April Tilmant, with over $80 and brothers Christian and Nathan Daley took fourth place with $80 in cash, receipts, and cans. They will also receive toy and ice-cream gift certificates.

Additionally, upper grade classes under the leadership of Mrs. Carvajal and Mrs. Compton will receive root beer float parties for “great participation.”

With a participation rate of over 95 percent, Whitlach considers it a “great day’s work” that will not only add to the success of the reading lab, but also a way of giving something back to Mother Earth in honor of Earth Day on April 22.

“The best part for me is seeing the enthusiasm of our entire school community all coming together for this one big celebration date,” says Whitlach. “Los Alamitos is known for its team spirit and they show it every day.”