February 8, 2007
School News
Prescott schools win Governor's Award for new energy efficiency
The Prescott School District has received the Governor's Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency give by Focus on Energy for its implementation of innovative energy-efficiency projects within its schools.
With the help of Focus on Energy's Schools and Government Sector, part of Wisconsin's energy-efficiency and renewable-energy initiative, the district made a number of energy-efficiency improvement. Those steps included replacing steam boilers with high-efficiencyt hot water boilers, adding an exhaust air recovery system, upgrading lighting to a high-efficiency T8 system and upgrading rooftop HVAC units.
The school district is realizing annual energy savings of approximately $59,000 form the installation of this equipment, said officials with the Focus on Energy Program. The district received financial incentives of $23,050 from Focus on Energy for installing the energy-efficient equipment.
Rising energy costs have put a large strain on the school budget, taking money away from educational opportunities for students, said Superintendent Roger Hulne. The money saved with the energy improvements in heating and lighting will save taxpayers and school thousands of dollars now and in the future.
Since 2001, Focus on Energy has delivered cost-effective energy solutions to Wisconsin consumers, farms and businesses. In total, businesses including schools in Wisconsin have saved about $40 million in energy costs annually, according to program officials.
"We are proud to present the Prescott School District with the Governor's Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency," said Charlie Schneider, sector manager for Focus on Energy's Schools and Government Program. "Their leadership in energy efficiency will benefit not only their school, but also the environment, the community and our energy's future."
Schools have numerous opportunities to save money through energy efficiency. Focus on Energy partners with K-12 public and private schools and private and technical colleges across the state to identify practical, cost-effective energy-efficiency measures to implement. Those include controlling the amount of outside air that comes into a building or using compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Ultimately, this helps reduce their energy use, manage energy costs and keep staff, students and visitors comfortable and more productive, program officials said.
For more information about saving opportunities at other schools or Focus on Energy's Business Programs, call Focus on Energy at (800) 762-7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.
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St. Joseph's Knights basketball team brings home 1st-place trophy
by Erik Anderson
The St. Joseph's Catholic School girls basketball team brought its record to 9-1 last weekend after they were crowned the St. Croix Valley Catholic Tournament Champions.
The fifth-, sixth- and seventh-grade girls have been playing since January and will end their season as February comes to a close.
The team went 3-0 in the tournament to bring home the trophy.
Head coach Mike Simones said the Knights are strong going into the end of the season.
"We've improved on the mental aspects of the game," Simones said.
"The fundamentals of the game, mid-range shots and keeping their heads up and eyes up."
Simones said the team has improved over the year.
"They have a good sense of knowing where their teammates are while playing," Simones said. "It's important for teamwork, important in basketball."
Simones added that he stressed defense for the team and with that emphasis,
the girls were performing well.
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Athletes Of The Week
Seniors kneeling, from the left are Keith Filarsky and Matt Feriancek. Standing, from the left are seniors Chris Johnson, Brandon Frandrup and Andy Murphy. All five had strong performances in their conference meet last Saturday and earned points for the team, helping to secure the Cards' third-place finish behind Ellsworth and New Richmond. Head Coach Jeff Poliak said the five seniors deserved recognition for their performances.
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Student Of The Week
Junior Dickie Keene has an extrordinary work ethic and never takes the easy way out, said Lori Pedretti, his chemistry teacher. She added that he has a positive and insightful outlook on life. Dickie enjoys skateboarding, snowboarding and video games. He wants to attend either the St. Paul Art Institute or the Savanah, Ga. Art Institute to learn how to design video games for his career. He is the son of Becky and Kirt Keene.
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School Lunch Menus
Feb. 12-16, 2007
MONDAY: BBQ Rib/bun, tater coins, corn, pears.
TUESDAY: Corn dog, Mac n Cheese, green beans, applesauce, pudding.
WEDNESDAY: Heart shaped chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, sliced carrots, pineapple.
THURSDAY: Beef ravioli, breadstick, sliced carrots, pineapple.
FRIDAY: Sub sandwich/bun, tortilla chips/salsa, veggies/dip,
mixed fruit.
School Breakfast
Feb. 12-16, 2007
MONDAY: Muffin.
TUESDAY: Pancakes/sausage on stick.
WEDNESDAY: Pop Tart.
THURSDAY: Ham, egg, cheese muffin.
FRIDAY: Cinnamon Roll.
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