est Jefferson Hills
WE ST J E FFE RSO N H IL L S SC HO O L DI ST RIC T NE WS — J E FFE RS O N E LE M E N TARY SC HOOL
Jefferson
Elementary
School Explores
Alternative Energy
Sources
Written By: Christopher M. Very, Proud Principal of JES
“W
hat is that?” is a common question that students
have begun to echo when looking upon the
newest additions to Jefferson Elementary School.
Located adjacent to and in conjunction with our recently
created Outdoor Classroom is a hybrid alternative energy
system consisting of a wind turbine and polycrystalline
solar panel, as well as all accompanying accessories.
This educational and alternative resource was recently
installed in order to provide our students with real-world
applications and meaningful experiences when studying
renewable and nonrenewable resources, which is woven
throughout various disciplines of our
recently-revised elementary curricula.
Additionally, this innovative educational
program and resource allows us the
opportunity to begin to develop a culture
of environmental responsibility within our
school and community. Finally, multiple ageappropriate alternative energy educational
“kits” were also acquired to provide our
students with additional opportunities
to make connections through hands-on,
inquiry-based instruction.
Visitors to the Outdoor Classroom will
now have the opportunity to remain
“connected” with access to plug in various devices and
resources without utilizing traditional energy sources. Most
importantly, this alternative energy resource will be utilized to
continue to provide our students with innovative educational
programming in order to prepare our students to become
active, contributing members of society.
A very special thank you to our Technology and
Maintenance Departments for their collective collaboration
in bringing this innovate resource to Jefferson Elementary
School and the West Jefferson Hills School District.
56 West Jefferson Hills