Solarbration 2011

On Earth Day April 22, 2011, Vallecito Elementary School held Solarbration 2011, an event celebrating the installation of solar panels on the roof of the gym. All four Dixie District schools participated in the project as part of an initiative to generate 80% of their own electricity use. This is a very exciting project and is the culmination of many years of vision and intention by parents and the School Board.

The project had several key components:

• No district funds for teaching our students were used. The funding included a generous grant from the Marin Community Foundation and a Federal Bond.
• The schools will generate approximately 80% of their energy use.
• The goal for each school is to reduce energy use even further.
• The project has placed over 1,600 panels on the roofs and has a customized security system.
• There is new curriculum at every grade level to help students understand how photovoltaic systems work and the importance of conservation.

Students from Vallecito (with help from a few parents) produced a video that was unveiled on April 22 during the Solarbration. Thanks to everyone who participated!