The Kids Get It

Quietly, but purposefully, nearly all Peabody public schools have been preparing students to lead the way toward a healthier and more sustainable planet. And now the Peabody school district, as a whole, is on board and fully committed to greening our schools, making them healthier places to learn and work while simultaneously reducing the cost of lighting, heating and cooling the buildings that symbolizes our community’s future.

And now the kids are coming to GreenFest. Several schools will join with the school district administration to form a local school cluster of education exhibitors. The South and Brown schools will be among the schools represented.

“At the South School it has been very important to teach our students how to take care of our planet, Earth. It is imperative that this message is echoed each and every year. Here at the South we have been recycling for years. This has made it possible for students to know that they are a part of our community and share in the responsibility of making Mother Earth a better place.” -- Maryellen McGrath, Principal, South Memorial School

Students and teachers from the Brown School will also be at GreenFest.

“In today's world there is evidence all around us that we need to pay better attention to our Earth and its environment. …. It is no longer just about educating our students about environmental issues, but also about engaging them in actual experiences where they can apply what they have learned. This way they can see that their efforts really CAN make a difference. I feel that it is the duty and obligation of every teacher and parent to help our youngsters become more aware of the state of the environment and to support them as they learn ways they can become more involved.” -- Elaine Metropolis, Principal of the Brown School

According to Peabody school district business manager and GreenFest exhibitor, Dave Keniston: “GreenFest is the opportunity to get the message out regarding sustainable and green practices, recycling information and to show the residents of the community how proactive Peabody public school students and staff have been to recycling and environmental concerns within each respective school."

And Dave supports GreenFest for more personal reasons.

"Personally, improving student (and staff) well being and sustainable functionality, within the school system, through green initiatives, is a very important endeavor."

In closing, the kids get it. And so do many of the teachers and leaders in our school district. For this we should all be thankful and supportive of their efforts. GreenPeabody will be partnering with our schools in the years ahead to show our support for the great work going on every day in our classrooms. And you can show your support by attending GreenFest and showing our kids that we all care.

Russ Eckel,

Chairman of GreenPeabody