First-graders in Kim Alexander and Laura Gerstenhaber’s class at John Quincy Adams found a unique way to honor Earth Day. After bringing in old T-shirts from home, the students cut strips into the shirts and tied the strips into knots, creating colorful, stretchable carryall bags that can be used again and again.

“The bags were fun to make, and it was great to do something to help the earth,” said student Aubrey Pottinger.