News
CELEBRATE EARTHDAY
The 38th annual observance of Earth Day brings a wealth of resources and activities for focusing on the environment.
See below for links on recycling and energy management in West Hartford, as well as across the state, nation and world.
http://www.whps.org/whps/information-technology/recycling-and-energy-management
http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2688&q=322356&depNav_GID=1511
http://www.earthday.gov/
http://www.epa.gov/earthday/
http://www.worldwildlife.org/earthday2008/
http://ww2.earthday.net/
http://earthday.envirolink.org/
Several West Hartford schools have led the way in designing programs to promote recycling and conservation. In conjunction with the Town of West Hartford, those efforts have now led to a town-wide program at all schools to conserve resources, save money, and model appropriate environmental activities for students.
KPM Recycling At Work
King Philip Middle School began a model program for classroom paper and container recycling, as well as cafeteria recycling of containers which has significantly reduced the volume of trash being picked up at that school, which both reduces costs and conserves resources through recycling. The King Philip recycling initiative was started by former principal Mary Hourdequin last year.
"The continued commitment to the recycling program by students and staff at KP is a tribute to the legacy left by Mary. This is one example how her work as an educator has impacted people's lives in an important way,'' said current KPM principal Mike Renkawitz.
Aiken Elementary School also established a similar program, through a cooperative approach including their Student Council, custodians, teachers and staff. Principal Kathleen McKay described the successful implementation of the Aiken recycling program as a "result of our students' commitment to protecting the environment. Since the students are directly involved in the program, it not only helps to reduce the amount of waste our school produces, but it also teaches our students environmentally responsible behaviors that will stay with them throughout their lives."
At Wolcott Elementary School, a complete building energy audit was conducted, which will be replicated at other schools in the near future.
Using all these pioneering models of responsible recycling behavior, all schools will be working together to increase the amount of materials recycled and decrease the volume of trash being picked up, as well as investigating ways to decrease energy consumption. Earlier this year, WHPS instituted district-wide power management of computers and monitors, placing hardware in sleep mode when not in use.
For further information on these recycling and energy management programs, and to suggest ideas or provide feedback, see:
http://www.whps.org/whps/information-technology/recycling-and-energy-management
Students empty the contents before placing the container into the recycle bin.
(Put your mouse over the picture and then out to see the recycle bin filling up.)