St. Peter's Students Conserve Energy Twenty-five seventh and eighth grade students at St. Peter's Elementary School in Belleville are preparing a report on how the school can make an initial savings of between $15,000 and $25,000 in energy costs thanks to the Saving Through Energy Management (STEM) program. The students' recommendations make the school eligible for a federal grant. STEM is sponsored by Wilson Educational Services and aims to teach students to view their school as an energy consumer. Students work in teams to recognize energy problems in the school, identify appropriate solutions and calculate the amount of energy and money that can be saved. The students completed a 30 hour STEM course and they are now preparing a written report of their findings and recomendations. The principal of St. Peter's Elementary School, Sister Patricia McCarthy, S.C., said that the students' findings could save the school anywhere between $15,000 and $25,000 and make St. Peter's Elementary eligible for a federal grant. "We can now apply for a federal grant that will provide us with up to 50 percent of the cost of implementing the suggestions," she said. Sister McCarthy, chose the students based on their grades. Though STEM is traditionally taught in high schools Sister McCarthy felt that several of St. Peter's seventh and eighth graders could rise to the challenge. Sister McCarthy was delighted when her "students came better prepared for class. They came better prepared in terms of having a willingness to participate and, in many cases, in terms of their math skills." STEM team members enhance their academic skills in math, science and English as well as gaining personal skills such as time management, critical thinking, leadership and interpersonal skills. Sister McCarthy said that knowing they are "making a difference" makes the students more aware of cutting down on waste. "They will be better homeowners and better citizens because they will know how to conserve energy," she said, "that's a life long tool." The students will present their report to the pastor of St. Peter's church, Msgr. Joseph Slinger, the Parish Finance Committee, the school board, and the Parent Teacher Guild on Tuesday, February 18.
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