As executive director of a nonprofit recycling education center, Steve Witkin often gives presentations on the urgency of recycling and innovations of the trade.

But to an audience of 5-year-olds, the topic of ecological conservation requires a bit more showmanship. So, to make his point to the kindergartners at Deep Run Elementary School last week, Witkin, of Grassroots Recycling, held up a toy that got the children chattering excitedly -- a water gun.

The children stayed dry, however, as Witkin explained how the plastic toy relates to recycling.

"Howard County is the first place in Maryland which (recycles) this," he said, referring to the types of materials the county's recycling program accepts.

His presentation was part of the school's America Recycles Day celebration Nov. 14. The program is part of a larger, ongoing effort by the school to earn Green School certification from the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education, according to Nancy Rowe, the school's gifted and talented resource teacher.

The program is intended to educate children on environmental issues and promote stewardship of the land, according to the association's Web site.

The initiative at Deep Run began last year, and the school already has completed projects toward certification, including the construction of a butterfly garden in the school's courtyard, Rowe said.

Last week's event included a contest in which students created arts and crafts using recycled materials. One student sewed used dryer sheets into a skirt, while another crafted holiday ornaments from old CDs.

"This was a way of celebrating some of the things we are doing," Rowe said of the Nov. 14 programs.

Principal Cynthia Hankin said her students are excited about becoming a Green School through participation in activities such as America Recycles Day.

"It's really raised their awareness of the need to recycle," she added.

*The Howard Area Homeschoolers Fighting 42's took first place at the Johns Hopkins Math Tournament for high school students Nov. 8. Fifty-six teams from three states competed. The Howard Area Homeschoolers sent three teams to the competition: The Fighting 42's, with team members Alex Kandell, Nick Wu, Steven Southall and Ethan Myers; The Answer, with Amber Dawn Butler, Laura Powell, Munira Shahir and Alexei Beresnev; and The Junior Einsteins, with middle school students Gabriella Studt, Jamshaid Shahir, Arjuna Subramanian and Erik Yamada. Their coach is Catherine Asaro.

* The River Hill High School Music Department and the Howard County Public School System's Fine Arts Advisory Council will present an information session for students considering studying music in college. The event, open to all county high school students and their parents, will take place Nov. 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the school's auditorium. The school is located at 12101 Route 108, in Clarksville. For more information, e-mail Joseph Fischer at joe_fischer@hcpss.org.

* Wilde Lake High School's theater program will present "The Crucible" Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 20-22 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 at the door, $10 in advance. The shows will be in the school's Jim Rouse Theatre, at 5460 Trumpeter Road, in Columbia. For more information, call 410-313-6965 or e-mail abbyfutter@comcast.net.

* Marriotts Ridge High School's theater department will stage Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" Thurday-Saturday, Nov. 20-22 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10. In conjunction with the play, the school's National Art Honor Society will present a British Tea Sunday, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. Tickets for tea are $10 and include an original teacup. For tickets, contact Jean Jurney at 301-864-5628 or e-mail jcjurney@verizon.net. The school is at 12100 Woodford Drive, in Marriottsville.

* The Glenelg High School Marching Unit is holding its Holiday Citrus Fruit Sale. This month they are offering pink grapefruit, navel oranges, tangerines and a variety pack. Orders are due by Wednesday, Nov. 26 for fruit to be picked up at the school Dec. 13. Order forms are available from the Glenelg High School office, by contacting Cindy Desrochers at 410-489-4977, e-mailing fruitsales@glenelgbands.com, or by downloading the form from www.glenelgbands.com. The school is at 14025 Burntwoods Road, in Glenelg.

Send school-related items to School Days, Flier/Times, 10750 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, MD 21044. Fax items to 410-997-4564 or e-mail mroshan@patuxent.com.

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