Documentary Features Green Schoolhouse
After a portable classroom burned down in 2007, the school replaced it with a new, community-built schoolhouse. The schoolhouse is energy efficient, and teaches students how to lead a sustainable lifestyle.
"The entire Grant School has used the eco schoolhouse as a teaching tool to make our children aware of and practice daily things that are good for our environment." second grade teacher Jenifer Hartz said
Eco-friendly features of the schoolhouse include barrels that gather rain water. The rain is then used to water the student-planted garden.
Ken Leija directed Eco School House, and hopes that the film's message will help others lead eco-friendly lives. "You take away that it's possible to affect your environment. It's possible to do little things that add up to a lot" Leija said.
The film was released in April. A screening will take place on August 2 at the Columbia Public Library. Neighborhood screenings of the documentary are also in the works.