Third graders at McGregor Elementary School made a big mess on November 14^th, but it was all in the name of education. After chopping up recycled Halloween pumpkins, and mixing them with fruit and vegetable scraps, bags of leaves, and some shovels full of compost, the third graders had created the school compost pile! This project reinforces several aspects of the science curriculum, as the students learned about the role of decomposers in the composting process. The third graders also learned that if they bring a healthy snack to school - such as a banana or an apple – they can compost the scraps. The composting process provides the students a great opportunity for physical activity as well: chopping pumpkins is hard work! In one year, when the students return as fourth graders, they will spread their finished compost on the gardens of McGregor, providing free fertilizer to keep our plants healthy and growing strong! This composting activity was organized by the McGregor PTA Green Committee, in conjunction with Ms. Julie Rewers, third grade science teachers.