Education & Outreach

Green Projects & Challenges

Solar Panels

In the spring of 2022, District 39 received a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community to have educational grade solar panels installed at schools.  They have been installed and these solar panels will provide an awesome teaching and learning opportunity for our students and staff.  They will be used within the classroom to promote sustainability and continue educating our students in STEM. 

Click the buttons below to see how much energy each one is producing!

Trex Recycling Challenge

Trex recycles plastic bag and film and uses these materials to create outdoor composite decking and benches.  They are committed to creating eco-friendly material by reclaiming factory waste and eliminating  the use of harmful chemicals. 

District39 has competed in the Trex Recycling Challenge for many years. Schools compete against other schools in their area to recycle the most plastic film products which include: grocery bags, bread bags, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, reclosable bags, produce bags, bubble wrap, and cereal bags. They are then given to Trex and used to create their composite decking material. 

Living Lab at HMS & WJHS

At WJHS and HMS, there have been living labs installed which were generously created and designed for us by New Trier High School Students. These living labs will serve many purposes throughout the year involving student exploration into the different ecosystems in our environment. 

Green Teams

At District 39 schools, students are involved in all aspects of sustainability through Green Teams! An adult sponsor helps guide the Green Team throughout the year to reach agreed upon goals. Our Green Team's have spearheaded the following projects and challenges:

Earth Week

April 16 - April 22

In District 39, we make sure to acknowledge and celebrate Earth Week and Earth Day each year. Teachers engage learners in activities related to sustainability and the parent organization at each school supports these efforts. In acknowledging Earth Week, we are promoting green practices throughout the entire community which we hope will inspire everyone to keep protecting our Earth.