For Release: 10/09/2009

Chilton High School Celebrates SolarWise!

Media Invite

Chilton, WI - WPS Community Foundation is pleased to welcome Chilton High School to the SolarWise® for Schools family.

In August, the school received a 2-kilowatt solar-electric system on the rooftop. Dedication ceremonies for the solar-electric system will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. in the Chilton High School Gymnasium. See the following agenda for complete details and for photo opportunities.

The system was donated to the school by the WPS Community Foundation as part of the SolarWise® for Schools program. Forty-three other public and private schools have received solar-electric systems since the program began in 1996. The program is funded by donations from 3,200 Wisconsin Public Service customers and grants from the Focus on Energy program.

The school's 2-kilowatt solar-electric system will generate about 2,900 kilowatt-hours per year. That's enough electricity to light three classrooms and save the school about $320 on their electric bills. In addition to the solar equipment, the school was awarded a three-week renewable energy curriculum to be integrated into the science curriculum. Students and teachers can access data from the solar-electric systems via the Internet and use the information in classroom projects throughout the year.

"SolarWise for Schools creates a winning combination," said Bob Hernke, of Wisconsin Public Service. "Most important, students learn first-hand about renewable energy. Couple that with the school saving some money and the benefits to the environment and we truly have the ingredients for a successful educational curriculum."

AGENDA
9:30 a.m. - Dedication ceremony in the gymnasium - open to students, staff and the public. Media and members of the public must register at the school office.

Speakers include:
Mr. Jerry Kolbe, Treasurer of the Chilton Board of Education
Dr. Claire Martin, Chilton School District Superintendent
Dr. Tim Schaid, Chilton High School Principal
Mr. Tracy Bartels, Chilton High School Science Department Coordinator
Mr. Chip Bircher, WPS Community Foundation Representative
Mr. Rob Ash, WPS Chilton Customer Service Manager

8:00 a.m. until 1 p.m. - WPS Energy Fair in the Athletic Hall of Fame - open to students, staff and the public. Media and members of the public must register at the school office.

Indoor Displays:
SolarWise for Schools
Renewable Energy
Benefits of Tree Planting
Path-to-Ground Safety Demonstration
Utility Careers
Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP)

Outdoor Displays:
Oneida Tribe's Solar Education Trailer

For More Information, Contact: