MORE INFORMATION > Go back to School Program Main Page > FAQS for students > FAQs for teachers > Rules and details > BAY STATE FERTILIZER MAIN PAGE > FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BAY STATE FERTILIZER IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ELIGIBILITY Contests limited to schools located within the MWRA service area. > Eligible communities FORMS AND LABELS > Registration Forms (.doc) | (.pdf) > Student Labels for Contest Entries (.doc) | (.pdf) FOR STUDENTS Need inspiration? Check out our poster and writing contest winners for 2005-2006 > Poster winners > Writing winners CONTACT INFO > MWRA Staff Contacts

DEADLINE: FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2007

DETAILS FOR BOTH CONTESTS

Packaging Instructions:

Each entry must have a Student Label attached.  Entries without student labels will not be judged.  Labels should be taped or glued securely to the back of the entry (not paper clipped or stapled). Teachers must fill in the Contest Registration Form stating the grade levels and number of entries.  If you have entries from more than one grade level, please fill out separate Contest Registration Forms.

Can entries be delivered to the MWRA?

No, they must be mailed to the address indicated on the Contest Registration Form.

What are the prizes?
The first place winner in each category receives a $100.00 American Express Gift Check.  Second prize is a $50.00 check and third prize is a $25.00 check.  Honorable Mention Awards will recognize other outstanding entries.  Each student who participates will receive a certificate of participation.

When will winners be announced?

POSTER CONTEST RULES AND INFO

Who is eligible for the poster contest?

All Massachusetts students in grades K-8 who attend school in one of the MWRA’s service communities.  Prizes will be awarded in three categories: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8.  All artwork must be done by the student.  Only individual entries (not group entries) will be accepted.

How will poster entries be judged?

Judging is based on originality, clarity of message, use of materials, and quality of work.

What size should posters be?

Posters should be no smaller than 8 ½   X 11  and no larger than 18 X 24.

Note:  Posters will only be returned if indicated on the registration form.

What makes a good poster?

Make sure your poster is on topic.  Don't try to include too many ideas or activities  on your poster.  A single message, clearly illustrated, is more effective.  If you use lettering, make sure it can be read from across a room.

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What are this year’s poster contest topics?

• Grades K-2: Create a poster showing your drinking water being used for recreational purposes (having fun!).
• Grades 3-5: Create a poster showing your drinking water being used for doing chores (either at home, in the yard, or at school).
• Grades 6-8: Create a poster showing your drinking water being used for health purposes.

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Can friends work on posters together?

No, only individual work will be accepted. 

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Do posters have to be drawings?

No, posters can be any form of art you choose to express the topic.  You can create a collage with pictures cut out of a magazine, you can use pieces of fabric or you can create a drawing using markers, crayons, paints, or charcoal.  We are looking for unique and creative works of art.

Posters must be no smaller than 8.5 X 11 inches and no bigger than 18 X 24 inches.  Be sure to attach a student label to the back of your poster.

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How will my poster be judged?

MWRA staff will select the strongest posters from the entries in each category.  Then a panel of judges will score the posters on originality, clarity of message, creative and artistic use of materials, and quality of work.

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WRITING CONTEST RULES AND INFO

Who is eligible for the writing contest?

All Massachusetts students in grades 3-12 who attend school in one of the MWRA’s service communities.   Prizes will be awarded in three categories: 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.  Only individual entries (not group entries) will be accepted.  Audio or video entries will not be accepted.

How will writing entries be judged?

Judging is based on factual accuracy, originality, creativity, clarity of thought, readability, and persuasiveness.

How long should writing entries be?

Entries should be no longer than two pages.  Entries may be typed or written neatly in ink, using one side of the paper only.  Writing entries will not be returned.

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What makes a good writing entry?

First, be sure your entry addresses the question.  As good as a piece might be, if it isn't on topic, it can't win a prize.  Then, use your creativity to make your entry stand out.  The reader should remember your work because there was something unique about it. An essay can be just as creative as a poem or dialogue, if it has a clear theme and develops it cleverly.

What are this year’s writing contest topics?

• Grades 3-5: Write about what you think the greatest benefit was when sludge dumping into Boston Harbor stopped on December 31, 1991.
• Grades 6-8: Tell us how they would help spread the word to community leaders that Bay State Fertilizer is available to them and they should take advantage of this valuable resource. Many communities within the MWRA sewerage district use Bay State Fertilizer on their parks, athletic fields, and municipal landscaping.
• Grades 9-12: Devise a marketing campaign for Bay State Fertilizer which is purchased wholesale by golf courses and landscapers throughout New England and has been available locally through garden centers and nurseries since 1995.

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Where can I get information about Bay State Fertilizer?

You can find plenty of information throughout the MWRA's website.  There are most likely newspaper and magazine articles at your local or school library on this topic.  Also, talk with your relatives and friends.  They may have some personal experiences or information that may be useful.

An MWRA employee was told an interesting story by an acquaintance who had used Bay State Fertilizer on his lawn.  He said that his community imposed a water ban and his lawn was the only lawn that stayed green in his entire neighborhood.  The reason is likely because Bay State Fertilizer is high in organic matter which reduces the need for watering.  

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Do I have to write my entry on a computer?

Writing entries may be written neatly in ink and can be no longer than two pages.  Please use only one side of the paper and be sure to attach a Student Label securely to the back of your entry.  Audio and video entries will not be accepted.

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How will my writing entry be judged?

MWRA staff will select the best entries in each category.  Copies will be given to a judging panel, who will first read and rate them and then meet to decide the winners.  Writing entries will be judged on factual accuracy, creativity, originality and persuasiveness.

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