By T.W. Allen
PDT Staff Writer

The 7th- and 8th-grade classes of Portsmouth Middle School are partnering with the Ohio River Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. The school is "Going Green for Red."

"Our project is a collaborative effort to recycle and help the environment as well as generate funds for the American Red Cross and its many worthwhile programs," Gayle Hopkins, librarian at Portsmouth Jr./Sr. High School said.

Portsmouth City Schools have begun a recycling program. The proceeds from the program will be donated to the Red Cross.

"The students will be having a contest in each advisory (homeroom) and they are to collect clean paper, meaning paper we would normally toss in schools. The winning advisory will receive a pizza party," Hopkins said.

She said the school decided to start the program to help the Red Cross and raises money for them.

"This will also raise awareness for the students about global warming and why it's important to recycle," Hopkins said.

Charissa Chapman and Joey Pratt have started a group at the school and are working with Mary Arnzen, director of the local Red Cross and Dr. Kelly Raies.

Students are designing boxes to be placed in all teacher workrooms and main offices to aid in the "going green" process.

Once the boxes are filled, the Red Cross will collect the boxes and take them to Livingston's. The Red Cross is responsible for generating their own funds.