Going Green Saves Greendale Schools Over $200,000 Annually
February 07, 2012
Dedicated to environmental sustainability, the
Greendale School District has implemented numerous
eco-friendly changes concentrating on conservation
over the last few years. This green effort has
resulted in savings of over $200,000 per year, even
with rising energy costs. Total energy costs have
fallen from $813,848 in 2006 to $592,073 in 2010.
“Saving $200,000 annually means three more outstanding teachers in the classroom,” said District Director of Business Erin Green. “It is changes like these that contribute to the Greendale Schools having the highest achievement in the region.” In recognition of these results, Ms. Green has been asked to present at the Green Schools National Conference in Denver, CO at the end of February on Greendale Schools’ energy savings, current green efforts and successes.
Focused on efficiency, the Greendale School District installed solar water heating, new heating plants and digital controls, implemented operational changes, formed a green team of students, staff and community members, created two school gardens to grow produce and use for curriculum and organized an annual green expo with around 40 exhibitors. In 2011, Greendale Schools was also recognized with the Environmental Protection Agency’s National IAQ Tools for Schools Excellence Award in Washington, DC for leading the way in identifying, resolving and preventing indoor air quality problems. Greendale School District was one of eight districts nationwide to receive the award.
“The effort was started to improve the indoor learning environment,” explained Ms. Green. “It has transformed into a full-fledged focus on being more green, sustainability and energy savings involving students, staff and the entire community. The effort has now evolved into producing a major community event highlighting health and wellness for oneself and the environment.”
The Greendale Schools Nourish - Mind, Body and Environment Expo will take place on Saturday, March 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Greendale High School. There will be vendors, demos, speakers, resource booths and student projects to help students, families and community members learn about living a healthier lifestyle and keeping Greendale green. The event’s keynote speaker will be author and registered nurse Dr. John D. Shier RN, Ph.D.
“A goal of Greendale Schools is to be environmentally friendly as possible,” said Superintendent of Schools William Hughes. “That includes preparing the next generation to be good environmental citizens and we know that when you pay attention to a green initiative, students notice.”
Established in 1939, the Greendale School District is home to more than 2,600 students. The district prides itself in providing an excellent education for all students from kindergarten through twelfth grade at Greendale High School, Greendale Middle School and three elementary schools (Canterbury, College Park and Highland View).
“Saving $200,000 annually means three more outstanding teachers in the classroom,” said District Director of Business Erin Green. “It is changes like these that contribute to the Greendale Schools having the highest achievement in the region.” In recognition of these results, Ms. Green has been asked to present at the Green Schools National Conference in Denver, CO at the end of February on Greendale Schools’ energy savings, current green efforts and successes.
Focused on efficiency, the Greendale School District installed solar water heating, new heating plants and digital controls, implemented operational changes, formed a green team of students, staff and community members, created two school gardens to grow produce and use for curriculum and organized an annual green expo with around 40 exhibitors. In 2011, Greendale Schools was also recognized with the Environmental Protection Agency’s National IAQ Tools for Schools Excellence Award in Washington, DC for leading the way in identifying, resolving and preventing indoor air quality problems. Greendale School District was one of eight districts nationwide to receive the award.
“The effort was started to improve the indoor learning environment,” explained Ms. Green. “It has transformed into a full-fledged focus on being more green, sustainability and energy savings involving students, staff and the entire community. The effort has now evolved into producing a major community event highlighting health and wellness for oneself and the environment.”
The Greendale Schools Nourish - Mind, Body and Environment Expo will take place on Saturday, March 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Greendale High School. There will be vendors, demos, speakers, resource booths and student projects to help students, families and community members learn about living a healthier lifestyle and keeping Greendale green. The event’s keynote speaker will be author and registered nurse Dr. John D. Shier RN, Ph.D.
“A goal of Greendale Schools is to be environmentally friendly as possible,” said Superintendent of Schools William Hughes. “That includes preparing the next generation to be good environmental citizens and we know that when you pay attention to a green initiative, students notice.”
Established in 1939, the Greendale School District is home to more than 2,600 students. The district prides itself in providing an excellent education for all students from kindergarten through twelfth grade at Greendale High School, Greendale Middle School and three elementary schools (Canterbury, College Park and Highland View).
Greendale High School Students Selected to Serve on Statewide Youth Board
February 04, 2012
Brittany Schultz, a junior, and Gibby O’Keefe, a
senior, at Greendale High School have been selected
to serve on the FACT Youth Board of Directors. FACT
(Fighting Against Corporate Tobacco) is Wisconsin’s
youth-driven tobacco prevention program. There are
currently over 6,000 FACT members statewide.
Brittany and Gibby are empowering their peers and
taking a stand using creative activities that
educate other teens on how they are targets of the
tobacco industry.
As FACT Board Members, Brittany and Gibby recruit new members, implement activities, meet with local elected officials in Greendale and Madison, and are instrumental in the creation of a public education campaign. This campaign exposes how the tobacco industry uses colorful packaging and candy flavoring to sell their tobacco products. “I think that by making the packaging colorful they are clearly trying to target towards teenagers and youth in America,” said Brittany. “And by doing so, they are only looking for a profit and trying to create new customers because they know that the older customers are dying out.”
“No adult is going to want a grape flavored cigarillo,” said Gibby, “These flavors appeal to teenagers and make kids nostalgic towards the flavors familiar to them from childhood. It is a very sneaky way to get someone addicted.”
Since FACT began in 2001, youth like Brittany and Gibby have been working tirelessly to reduce tobacco’s burden on Wisconsin youth. Over the last 10 years, the smoking rate among Wisconsin high school youth fell 46%. However, FACT’s job isn’t over. The tobacco industry continues to market to youth. An estimated one in five Wisconsin high school youth are still hooked on their deadly products. That’s a statistic FACT members are committed to reducing. Gibby stated “I am more behind the scenes, so I work it into my every day conversation. For instance, I work at a coffee shop and spread the message through word of mouth.” Brittany is completing Factivisms, which are activities that promote FACT’s message. She has given presentations to teens at the middle school and in health classes to remind students that tobacco companies are manipulating teens.
As FACT Board Members, Brittany and Gibby recruit new members, implement activities, meet with local elected officials in Greendale and Madison, and are instrumental in the creation of a public education campaign. This campaign exposes how the tobacco industry uses colorful packaging and candy flavoring to sell their tobacco products. “I think that by making the packaging colorful they are clearly trying to target towards teenagers and youth in America,” said Brittany. “And by doing so, they are only looking for a profit and trying to create new customers because they know that the older customers are dying out.”
“No adult is going to want a grape flavored cigarillo,” said Gibby, “These flavors appeal to teenagers and make kids nostalgic towards the flavors familiar to them from childhood. It is a very sneaky way to get someone addicted.”
Since FACT began in 2001, youth like Brittany and Gibby have been working tirelessly to reduce tobacco’s burden on Wisconsin youth. Over the last 10 years, the smoking rate among Wisconsin high school youth fell 46%. However, FACT’s job isn’t over. The tobacco industry continues to market to youth. An estimated one in five Wisconsin high school youth are still hooked on their deadly products. That’s a statistic FACT members are committed to reducing. Gibby stated “I am more behind the scenes, so I work it into my every day conversation. For instance, I work at a coffee shop and spread the message through word of mouth.” Brittany is completing Factivisms, which are activities that promote FACT’s message. She has given presentations to teens at the middle school and in health classes to remind students that tobacco companies are manipulating teens.
Sandy Speare Named Teacher of the Year by Greendale Chamber of Commerce
February 02, 2012
Kim Amidzich, John Weiss, Sandy Speare, Dr. William Hughes and Tom Slota
Sandy Speare, the Library Media Specialist at Greendale Middle School, received the Charlie Herman Teacher of the Year Award at the Greendale Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet on February 1.
“Sandy is a teacher leader that is passionate about her role in providing students with engaging and meaningful learning opportunities,” said Greendale Middle School Principal John Wiess. “She develops strong relationships with students and truly understands the value of helping a student find their passion. As the Library Media Specialist she has helped our school and District in many efforts related to literacy, technology, curriculum and academic support.”
Speare began her teaching career at Greendale Schools in 1984 after graduating from UW-Milwaukee with a major in Exceptional Education and later returned to earn a master’s degree in Library and Information Science. She strives to stay on the cutting edge, collaborating with staff to engage students and determine how best to use technology in the classroom. Speare has been instrumental in bringing multiple literacy opportunities to students, including the One Book/One School Program and the Battle of the Books competition. She is also the driving force behind the After School Study Club, providing students not only an environment to study and research, but also technology that they may not have access to at home.
Speare felt honored and humbled to be recognized by the Greendale Chamber of Commerce. “I’m proud to work in a Village that acknowledges the importance of educators in the community and how teachers touch the future,” she said. “I’m honored to work with such dedicated and talented people and I feel lucky to have the privilege to work with students and witness their growth.”
Established in 1939, the Greendale School District is home to more than 2,600 students. The district prides itself in providing an excellent education for all students from kindergarten through twelfth grade at Greendale High School, Greendale Middle School and three elementary schools (Canterbury, College Park and Highland View).