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From the Desk of Dr. Dubec...
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Palos 118 is committed to "GOING GREEN." Palos 118's students have been leaders in working hard for our environment. Each of our schools has a number of important "GO GREEN" initiatives and the list is growing. The Board of Education has named a Go Green Committee to emphasize increased environmental awareness and to seek cooperative opportunities for Palos 118 to work with our community, staff, and students in this important area. Our district conservation and environmental care program includes reducing energy consumption through an energy audit, efficient use of utilities, education, partnering with other school districts and the community, and providing a district commitment to the environment through the leadership of the Board of Education. We are also finding that going green reduces our costs and adds increase life to our district mechanical systems.
The Board of Education is sponsoring a special "Go Green Project," the LIGHTS FOR LEARNING fundraiser. This fundraiser is designed to increase go green community awareness, and to provide everyone an opportunity to save energy. Purchasing and using just one energy efficient bulb will help our overall community conserve energy usage. The LIGHTS FOR LEARNING fundraiser is for families and is about bringing conservation and the environment to the forefront of all our thinking. You will be receiving information regarding the Lights for Leaning fundraiser the first week of April.
Everyone's conservation effort counts and each step contributes to a greater success. Listed below are some of our current district GO GREEN efforts. We encourage you to participate and to "go green."
Sincerely,
Dr. Joseph Dubec, Ed.D.,J.D.
Superintendent of Schools |
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Student "Going Green" Initiatives
Palos 118 students participate in a variety of experiences which promote conservation, respect for ecological systems, and understanding of environmental issues. At each school, specific conservation and environmental initiatives are promoted by student organizations. Click here to find out how individual schools are "going green." |
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District 118 "Going Green" Initiatives Energy conservation and environmental awareness focus on district wide operations and opportunities:
Reducing Energy Consumption
*During the 2009-10 school year, the district conducted an energy audit to help plan future energy conservation initiatives. This information will also be used to promote efficiency in plan design for future life safety and construction projects.
*During the 2009-10 school year, a computerized preventative maintenance program was initiated to insure that all equipment is operating at peak efficiency. This program will also increase the life of mechanical systems and reduce unit failure.
*Network computer systems and all district computers (classrooms, offices, and labs) are controlled centrally. This permits automatic shut down during non use periods such as night time, thereby reducing electricity consumption. This system operates regardless if individual users leave equipment on after use.
*The district has joined an energy consortium. The consortium reduces costs and helps monitor utility use and provides efficiency suggestions.
*In the summer of 2010, all HVAC systems will be re-controlled to permit centralized efficiency direction including nightly thermostat setbacks, zone temperature levels, and climate adjustments based upon use and need. Current systems require manual adjustments at all thermostat locations.
*Information on Energy Conservation is included in student curriculum.
*Annual staff energy conservation information and training occurs.
Community Information and Partnering
*Community "Lights for Learning Fundraiser."
*Annual "Go Green" EConnect newsletter to promote community awareness.
*Promoting recycling throughout the community with drop stations at each school.
*Supporting the Palos 118 Foundation clothing resale event "Rosemarie's Attic" which recycles clothing.
Board of Education "Go Green Initiatives"
*The Board of Education has created a special "Go Green" Committee to emphasize increased environmental awareness and to seek cooperative opportunities for Palos 118 to work with our community, staff, and students in this important area.
*The Board of Education adopted policy 4:150 which directs the Superintendent to establish and supervise a green cleaning program that complies with the guidelines established by the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council.
*The Board of Education adopted policy 4:70 which directs the district to conserve energy resources and to promote use of recycled materials.
*Reduction of paper through the use of electronic communication and newsletters.
*Development of a nature center at the West School to maintain the natural wildlife area by the existing slough. |
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