MYGreen Education and Career » Public School http://www.mygreeneducation.com The worldwide economic recovery will be lead by clean energy and sustainable practices. Find the green career path that is right for you. Green degrees,certifications ,training and courses. Companies are looking for job candidates with a green education and sustainable thinking. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:28:20 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Disneynature Provides Tools for Educators on their Website for the New Movie: OCEANS! http://www.mygreeneducation.com/disneynature-provides-tools-for-educators-on-their-website-for-the-new-movie-oceans/ http://www.mygreeneducation.com/disneynature-provides-tools-for-educators-on-their-website-for-the-new-movie-oceans/#comments Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:45:19 +0000 Tracey A. Smith http://www.mygreeneducation.com/?p=5923 Disneynature will be releasing their new movie OCEANS on Earth Day this week.  It is a follow-up to the movie EARTH which debuted last year at this time.  I am sure that it will be even more visually stunning than EARTH due to the beauty of the ocean and colorful life to be found there. 

The [...]]]> Disneynature will be releasing their new movie OCEANS on Earth Day this week.  It is a follow-up to the movie EARTH which debuted last year at this time.  I am sure that it will be even more visually stunning than EARTH due to the beauty of the ocean and colorful life to be found there. 

The movie’s website is a treasure trove of educational materials to aid teachers with curriculum ideas to incorporate elements from the  OCEANS’ film into students learning plans.  The guide includes a range of activities for grades 2 – 6.   You can also bring your OCEANS  learning to life in the classroom on an interactive whiteboard that can be downloaded. 

To download these teaching tools and visit the movie website , click here.

Below is a trailer for the movie:

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]]> http://www.mygreeneducation.com/disneynature-provides-tools-for-educators-on-their-website-for-the-new-movie-oceans/feed/ 0 Dinuba and Chevron Energy Solutions Complete Community Aquatic Complex and School Upgrades http://www.mygreeneducation.com/dinuba-and-chevron-energy-solutions-complete-community-aquatic-complex-and-school-upgrades/ http://www.mygreeneducation.com/dinuba-and-chevron-energy-solutions-complete-community-aquatic-complex-and-school-upgrades/#comments Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:51:32 +0000 SBurke http://www.mygreeneducation.com/?p=5802 Dinuba Unified School District, the City of Dinuba and Chevron Energy Solutions “pooled” their resources to help open the Dinuba Aquatic Complex, the culmination of a series of school building projects that are bringing energy cost savings and improved learning facilities to this Central Valley community. The $11.6 million pool complex was made possible through [...]]]> Dinuba Unified School District, the City of Dinuba and Chevron Energy Solutions “pooled” their resources to help open the Dinuba Aquatic Complex, the culmination of a series of school building projects that are bringing energy cost savings and improved learning facilities to this Central Valley community. The $11.6 million pool complex was made possible through modernization funds made available by energy efficiency projects, as well as funding from the city, community members and state grants.  The Public-Private Partnership is intended to bring cost savings, energy-efficient learning and athletic facilities to California’s Central Valley.

Chevron Energy Solutions developed, engineered and constructed the new state-of-the-art complex, replacing a highly energy inefficient 1950s-era pool that was leaking 14,000 gallons of water per day. The complex features a competition pool with a digital timing and touch pad scoreboard for instantaneous feedback and display, tot pool for youth water play and swimming lessons, joint use building with a snack bar, lifeguard station, coach’s office, restrooms and training/storage areas, and a shaded plaza area for eating and group activities.

“The City of Dinuba is delighted to be part of this collaboration to bring this new aquatic complex to our community,” said Dinuba Mayor Mark Wallace. “The pools serve as an important resource for our city, and are a symbol of the value of public-private partnership.”

Chevron Energy Solutions has worked with the school district since 2005 to improve its energy efficiency and capture energy savings, while helping to secure state funding to defray project costs. Studies confirm there is a strong relationship between the school’s physical condition, student attendance, test scores and learning performance. The energy efficiency improvements included lighting efficiency upgrades for all district facilities, replacement of old heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment, and installation of new roofs and an energy management system. These improvements also included the complete renovation of a classroom building with five new high-tech science laboratories that enabled the district to receive state modernization funds. A portion of these funds were directed to the new aquatic complex. In addition, the upgrades enabled the district to reduce its purchase of utility power, which is lowering carbon emissions by more than 825 metric tons, equivalent to planting more than 180 acres of trees.


In addition to the energy efficiency and classroom improvements, Chevron Energy Solutions worked with the school district to incorporate information into the school’s curriculum that helps educate teachers, students and staff about the importance of energy efficiency. The company also participated in the high school’s career development program, providing information about careers in engineering, business development and other fields.

“We used our ABCs – achievement by collaboration – to make the energy efficiency improvements and new aquatic complex a reality,” said Jim Davis, president of Chevron Energy Solutions. “Other cities and school districts can learn how to improve their communities through public-private partnerships.”

An event to celebrate the completion of the Dinuba Aquatic Complex will be held on September 12 with students, government, business and district officials in attendance.

About Dinuba Unified School District
The Dinuba Unified School District consists of five elementary schools that serve grades K – 5, one sixth grade academy, one intermediate school, one high school, an alternative high school, an adult school and an adult independent study program for a total of approximately 6,000 students. Four of the school sites have been awarded the title of California Distinguished School by the State of California Department of Education: Lincoln and Jefferson Elementary Schools, Dinuba High School and Sierra Vista Continuation School. Community and staff are dedicated and committed to excellence in education and working to meet the diverse needs of all students in a safe environment. For more information, please visit www.dinubausd.org.

About the City of Dinuba
The City of Dinuba’s motto of “Together, A Better Community” is achieved by employees working together as an organization and with the community; providing services which can be most appropriately provided by local government; achieving goals established by the residents and elected officials; maintaining order and improving quality of life; and protecting the overall interest of the community. For more information, please visit www.dinuba.org.

About Chevron Energy Solutions
Chevron Energy Solutions develops and builds sustainable energy projects that increase energy efficiency and renewable power, reduce energy costs, and ensure reliable, high-quality energy for government, education and business facilities. The company was named by Fast Company magazine as one of “The World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies” and one of the top five “Most Innovative Clean Energy Companies.” Chevron Energy Solutions has designed hundreds of projects and is the largest installer of solar power for education institutions in the U.S. Its parent, Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX), is investing across the energy spectrum to develop energy sources for future generations by expanding the capabilities of alternative and renewable energy technologies. Chevron spent approximately $3.2 billion on developing these technologies since 2002, and expects to spend more than $3.2 billion in this area between 2009 and 2011.

Contacts:
Juliet Don, Chevron Energy Solutions, 415.733.4673

Dr. Joe Hernandez, Superintendent, Dinuba Unified School District, 559.595.7200

Ed Todd, City of Dinuba, 559.591.5900 ext. 102

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]]> http://www.mygreeneducation.com/dinuba-and-chevron-energy-solutions-complete-community-aquatic-complex-and-school-upgrades/feed/ 0 South Carolina Middle Schoolers Take on Green Engineering Challenge http://www.mygreeneducation.com/south-carolina-middle-schoolers-take-on-green-engineering-challenge/ http://www.mygreeneducation.com/south-carolina-middle-schoolers-take-on-green-engineering-challenge/#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:47:10 +0000 SBurke http://www.mygreeneducation.com/?p=5560 Aiken, South Carolina middle schoolers are getting a chance to show off their skills in green engineering.

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions and USC Aiken are sponsoring a Future City Competition Saturday in Aiken, as reported in the Associated Press.

The theme of this year’s National Engineers Week Foundation contest is providing affordable living space to people who [...]]]> Aiken, South Carolina middle schoolers are getting a chance to show off their skills in green engineering.

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions and USC Aiken are sponsoring a Future City Competition Saturday in Aiken, as reported in the Associated Press.

The theme of this year’s National Engineers Week Foundation contest is providing affordable living space to people who have lost their homes to financial emergency or natural disaster.

Seventh- and eighth-graders are asked to design a city model using software, then build the city using recycled materials. They also write an essay on green living design.

The winning team in South Carolina qualifies for a trip to the national finals in Washington next month.


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]]> http://www.mygreeneducation.com/south-carolina-middle-schoolers-take-on-green-engineering-challenge/feed/ 0 Funding Announced for Solar Energy Projects at Arizona Schools http://www.mygreeneducation.com/funding-announced-for-solar-energy-projects-at-arizona-schools/ http://www.mygreeneducation.com/funding-announced-for-solar-energy-projects-at-arizona-schools/#comments Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:06:54 +0000 SBurke http://www.mygreeneducation.com/?p=5356 Governor Jan Brewer has announced 15 Arizona school districts will receive American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds for solar energy projects at schools throughout the state. The funding is part of the $55,447,000 awarded to the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office through the State Energy Program (SEP).

 The School Facilities Board (SFB) is managing [...]]]> Governor Jan Brewer has announced 15 Arizona school districts will receive American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds for solar energy projects at schools throughout the state. The funding is part of the $55,447,000 awarded to the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office through the State Energy Program (SEP).

 The School Facilities Board (SFB) is managing the Solar on Schools grants for the state. The grant will provide more than $5 million to procure photovoltaic systems for the qualifying school districts. The current round of funding appropriates $2.6 million for school solar projects.

 “These projects help our schools make energy-related investments for Arizona’s future,” said Governor Brewer. “They will generate clean energy and green jobs, reduce energy costs, and help keep more money in classrooms to educate our state’s children. It’s a priority for my Administration in everything we do.”

The School Facilities Board recommended the solar program be based around smaller schools, thereby broadening the impact of the program to cover more schools. School districts applied through a competitive grant process and the following schools were chosen to receive funds:
Apache Elementary,

  • Blue Elementary,
  • Bouse Elementary,
  • Graham County Special Services,
  • Hillside Elementary,
  • Navajo County Accommodation,
  • Owens-Whitney Elementary,
  • Paloma Elementary,
  • San Fernando Elementary,
  • Sentinel Elementary,
  • Skull Valley Elementary,
  • Tonto Basin Elementary,
  • Vernon Elementary,
  • Yavapai Accommodation, and
  • Yucca Elementary.

 “The awards being made today are the first wave of solar grants,” said John Arnold, Executive Director of the School Facilities Board. “The SFB anticipates that additional school districts will be awarded at next month’s Board meeting on November 4, 2009.”

 “The ARRA grant for Solar on Schools will save the districts money that will continue for years into the future,” said Jim Arwood, Director of the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office. “Not only do they help generate utility cost savings, these systems are hands-on science experiments for our children and will serve to teach the entire community about the promising future of solar energy.”

The State Energy Program ARRA funds allocated to Arizona are being used to fund solar energy and energy efficiency improvements on public buildings throughout the state as well as supplementing utility company incentives for consumers who install renewable energy technologies.

For more information, please visit the State of Arizona’s Recovery Act website at www.azrecovery.gov.


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]]> http://www.mygreeneducation.com/funding-announced-for-solar-energy-projects-at-arizona-schools/feed/ 0 New Jersey County Announces Integrated Green Plan Designed to Create Green Jobs http://www.mygreeneducation.com/new-jersey-county-announces-integrated-green-plan-designed-to-create-green-jobs/ http://www.mygreeneducation.com/new-jersey-county-announces-integrated-green-plan-designed-to-create-green-jobs/#comments Tue, 05 Jan 2010 06:51:37 +0000 SBurke http://www.mygreeneducation.com/?p=5260 Freeholder Chairman Daniel P. Sullivan announced a series of initiatives entitled “Helping People, Moving Union County Forward” that are designed to help those in need during this tough economic period, and to move the County forward with an emphasis on economic development, and green initiatives.

Sullivan announced three sets of initiatives—services designed to help residents (titled “helping [...]]]> Freeholder Chairman Daniel P. Sullivan announced a series of initiatives entitled “Helping People, Moving Union County Forward” that are designed to help those in need during this tough economic period, and to move the County forward with an emphasis on economic development, and green initiatives.

Sullivan announced three sets of initiatives—services designed to help residents (titled “helping people”) in need during the tough economic period, “Go Green Round 3,” a set of environmental initiatives which include recycling and green energy projects, and a set of economic development projects either reaching completion, or beginning in the New Year that are designed to create jobs, help Union County’s working class, and jumpstart the economy. Most of the new programs would come at little or no additional cost, and many are funded by grants or stimulus monies.

Sullivan prefaced his initiatives by sounding the bell for continued fiscal austerity at the County.

“We’re still going to have to do more with less,” Sullivan said, adding the County will continue to look at service consolidations, new revenue sources and shared services.

“We’re going to continue to make sacrifices, as many of our residents are making and expect of us in turn,” Sullivan said, adding the decision has already been made to freeze the salaries of all 640 non-contractual employees, including Directors, Freeholders, and Constitutional officials.

All told, many will now have gone without raises for the past two and a half years, saving approximately $2.3 million during that period. Several other major unions—including Council 8—are also in the middle of a salary freeze this year as well.

Sullivan also added he would fully support the effort to pursue a plan to either sell or seek an extended lease of the Union County Resource Recovery Facility. Such a plan could continue the low rate of waste disposal to the public, while ensuring very significant tax relief. With these fiscal measures in mind, Sullivan then announced his initiatives:

HELPING PEOPLE

  • First, the County will retrofit the Public Information van for winter usage as the “Union County Helps” vehicle. Those inside the van will assist residents with direct help and referrals to our One-Stop Career centers, foods stamps, utility, foreclosure assistance and more.
  • Second, the County will work to find funding for “Christopher’s Program,” which addresses the issue of gangs and youth violence. The program is made possible through the efforts of Freeholder Nancy Ward, and through a new partnership with the family part of the New Jersey Superior Court. The goal is to educate youth on positive forms of expression as opposed to violent gang behavior.
  • Third, the Office of Emergency Management will seek new and enhanced ways to ensure the appropriate measures are taken before and during a disaster concerning those with special needs, including evacuation procedures and specialized sheltering requirements. This would also include working with the public to register in the Special Needs Registry and Union County First Alert.
  • Fourth, the Union County Vocational Technical High School will offer a new special education course beginning in September, which will provide young people the opportunity to become licensed health care aides.
  • Fifth, the County’s Office of Health Management will work to expand and increase its volunteer base within its Medical Reserve Corps, and will continue to educate Union County communities regarding preparedness and prevention related to communicable diseases and the potential third wave of H1N1 in the United States.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTChairman Sullivan announced a number of projects either beginning or reaching completion in the New Year. The projects are designed to create jobs, and stimulate the economy. Sullivan, referring to former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s program, dubbed it all a “New Deal” for Union County residents. The list includes:

  • The completion this summer of the Public Safety Vehicle Storage Office building, which will free up parking space at the complex in Westfield, and provide office space. The building is green, and will meet the LEED standard, meaning Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
  • The Union County Vocational-Technical School District’s Academy for Performing Arts building will also be completed in June, 2010. The performing arts program is a cooperative venture with Kean University. The facility, located on the District’s Scotch Plains campus will contain a blackbox theater, a lobby and box office area, dance and theater studios, lighting and sound studios, classrooms and more.
  • The Parking Authority of the City of Elizabeth is seeking to break ground on a 1,500 space parking facility at Caldwell Place at Elizabethtown Plaza, which will create 200 new jobs. The garage will have an adjacent building consisting of 27,000 square feet of retail, commercial and/or office space. This will not only spur additional construction and permanent jobs, but also alleviate parking issues in and around the County complex. The project is a partnership of the County, the City of Elizabeth, and Union County College.
  • The beginning of construction on the new Galloping Hill Club House, which will continue the turnaround plan envisioned for the County’s Golf Division. This facility will be in addition to the new driving range opened this past fall there.
  • Planning for the construction of the Animal Shelter in the Houdaille Quarry at Springfield. The shelter will help local governments reduce their animal control costs, while providing a much-needed central shelter, an adoption program and veterinary care for animals. Finally, conceptual planning is expected to begin on the Union County Sustainability Corridor, which if implemented, could connect rapid bus transit from Cranford to Route 1&9, Elizabeth and more. It could also enable bus access to the Jersey Gardens Mall, Port Authority and Airport facilities and other parts of Elizabeth. New Jersey Transit will fund the planning effort to determine implementation.
 GO GREEN ROUND 3:In January, the Union County Improvement Authority will hold meetings with municipal and school board partners regarding our Countywide Renewable Energy Program. This will seek to produce solar panel installations, and a long-term goal of developing bio diesel, and geothermal projects. The projects would all strive to be self-financing.This year, the County will also use stimulus funding it received to maximize energy efficiency and conservation at a number of its facilities. As part of this effort, the County will also begin a process that will result in the installation of solar panels at Runnells Hospital, which would be self-financing.

Through grants dollars, the County is also embarking on programs to increase recycling collections at our county parks facilities, and to re-educate multi-family housing and commercial institutions on recycling mandates. The County will also develop a component to include a trained educator, materials for our schools, an interactive display at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, and a stipend to our libraries to purchase recycling-related books.

The County’s Vocational-Technical Schools will participate in a new state-wide initiative entitled the “Weatherization Training Program.” The $3 million program is a partnership with the New Jersey Building Laborers International – Local 55 and Union County Vo-Tech, along with nine other vocational-technical schools.


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