Rainbow Schools celebrate Earth Day

Rainbow Schools will showcase environmental initiatives at the Earth Day Festival on Sunday, April 22, 2007 at Market Square in Sudbury. As part of the exhibit, visitors will learn more about the environmental technology being used in the design and construction of the new Valley View Public School.

"In Rainbow Schools, we are teaching our students sound sustainability practices so they become more aware of the impact that their actions have on our community and our environment," said Rainbow District School Board Chair, Dena Morrison. "Our schools are leading by example. We welcome the opportunity to celebrate the environment along with our community partners at the Sudbury Earth Day
Festival and we encourage everyone to visit our display."

Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School's Environmental Club will launch its composting program at the Earth Day Festival and will feature information about its annual leaf drive and tree planting activities.  Lo-Ellen will also highlight its work with the Dearness Environmental Society, including the Home Audit, an interactive tool used to measure the amount of energy and resources being consumed in
the home. In addition, students will showcase their efforts to conserve and preserve local conservation
areas and trails.

Lasalle Secondary School's exhibit will feature a slide show of this year's excursion to Costa Rica to install lighting systems powered by solar panels. The "Light Up the World" program has benefited over 700 indigenous people of Costa Rica through the installation of 145 solar panel units - four of which were purchased through fundraising efforts at last year's Earth Day Festival. A solar
paneled lighting system will be displayed. Visitors to the Lasalle booth will also see pottery and tools made by the people of Costa Rica.

The first green school in Sudbury, the new Valley View Public School currently under construction, will be a showcase of sustainability. Students at Valley View are currently collecting glass bottles that will be recycled and mixed with concrete to make the floors at the new school. The new school will incorporate national Go Green environmental certification principles, which take into account industry 'best practices', including resource consumption, waste management, building materials, interior environment and occupant awareness. The goal is to create a healthier, more energy-efficient building for students and staff.

Chelmsford Valley District Composite School students will display plants, planting stations and flower arrangements from their very own Hydroponics Lab launched at the school last fall. Students are planning, maintaining and harvesting vegetable crops. The display will include pictures of environmental field trips to a local greenhouse, a maple syrup farm and Dynamic Earth. The school will share its environmental plans for the future, including a school compositing system, work on the school's garden and a landscaping competition.