District 39 has been awarded a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation as part of its K-12 Solar Schools program, which fosters the teaching of science, math, technology, and the environment through the use of solar panels to create energy. This grant supports the installation of a 1 kW photovoltaic (PV) system at five D39 schools as well as assistance in monitoring the renewable energy generated by these systems, including curricular training and support of staff.
Five D39 schools will be proud recipients of the PV system – its four elementary schools (Central, Harper, McKenzie, and Romona) plus Wilmette Junior High. Highcrest Middle School was a previous recipient of the grant and already has the PV system installed. District 39 students were instrumental throughout the grant-writing process and will also be involved in the implementation of this program.
“We are extremely proud of our students and staff for their efforts to learn more about sustainable energy and to take action to support these efforts within our schools,” said Dr. Kari Cremascoli, Superintendent. “This grant will advance our community-wide efforts at sustainability while providing our students with hands-on, real-world experiences to learn about renewable energy. We are thrilled!”
Wilmette Public Schools District 39 serves approximately 3,500 students in PreK-8th grade throughout Wilmette and in parts of Glenview. District 39’s mission is to nurture, guide and challenge students to become creative thinkers, collaborators and socially responsible, compassionate and productive citizens of a global society. District 39 is committed to providing a safe and equitable learning environment that fosters a mindset of empathy, respect and belonging for all students and staff.