Principals For Change

HOLY GREEN

2011-02-04T10:58:00.000-08:00

Hempfield Area High School finally did it!!!! As of January 29th, HAHS will be one of the first schools in PA to implement building wide single stream recycling. That means that students can now recycle plastics, cardboard, glass, paper and metal... all together - NO SEPARATION NEEDED!
After calculating that over 750,000 of garbage is produced in one school year (and sent to local landfills), the Spartan Nation decided to take a stand.
Year 1 Goal: Divert over 500,000 pounds of garbage from landfill to Green Star recycling.
Stay tuned for updates.
Watch the video below on the single stream kickoff.

Green Star Caught Green Handed

2010-10-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

"Recycling is Greenstar's core business. Other waste management companies are focused on profiting from their landfill or mill businesses and recycling is a small component of their operations. In comparison, Greenstar is solely dedicated to recycling"...... And I can vouch for these guys, they are the real deal.... And I am proud to say that Hempfield Area High School is about to launch a beautiful partnership with Green Star. HAHS is getting ready to go to single stream recycling. That means 80% of waste produced at Hempfield will be recycled- instead of being planted in some PA landfill. Just amazing. A special thanks to our waste hauler Allied for helping us to make it all happen. Stay tuned.
Green Star

Recycling Madness

2010-08-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

They did it again.... the HAHS Spartans have shown their true color... GREEN. Since October of 2009, the Green Spartans of Hempfield Area High School have recycled over 40,000 pounds of paper. Thanks to Abitibi for being a great partner. Congrats to Mr.Wuslich, Mr.Bailey, Mr.Harden, Mrs.Dallas and Mr.Cook for coordinating such a successful program.

OK.... so what did our recycling efforts really achieve, you ask? By recycling 40,000 pounds of paper, HAHS helped save:

1. 340 trees
2. 7600 barrels of oil
3. 60 cubic yards of landfill space
4. 140,000 gallons of water
5. 1200 pounds of air pollution

Yeah, that's it!!!!!!!!!!!

Get your Envirolution t-shirt NOW and show your support.... just email me:
steinlya@hasdpa.net

Power Down Drive

2010-08-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

The students at Hempfield never fail to impress..... and they continue to press the green envelope. To promote and support Earth Day, the entire high school will be outfitted with Flip the Switch.. Conserve decals on every light switch. What a great way to continue to raise enviro-awareness and smart resource management.

Free Green Can Caught Green Handed

2010-08-18T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hold on to your green horses folks... I just stumbled on this amazing new green opportunity for school and businesses alike... Not only can Free Green Can help you grow an incredibly effective recycling program, they can help YOU generate real revenue for your school or biz.... That means more $$green$$ for green projects. The Free Green Can program is an exciting new opportunity that partners waste managers (who are actually interested in recycling), advertisers and schools. Check it out.... We at Hempfield Area High have already began to work with these guys... We will keep you updated on our green progress.

here is the web address- http://principalsforchange.blogspot.com/

Recycling is a Hit at HAHS

2010-01-12T09:25:00.000-08:00

Great news, Hempfield Area High School's recycling program is a hit!!!!! Since launching a school-wide paper recycling drive on October 5th, the HAHS has collected and recycled over 14,000 pounds of paper..... If 14,000 pounds doesnt sound like a lot, check out the benefit on the environment.
14,000 pounds of recycled papers has saved:
*119 trees
*21 cubic yards of landfill space
*14 barrels of oil (588 gallons)
*49,000 gallons of clean water
*28,700 kW hours of electricity – enough energy to power 35 average-sized homes for a 5 month period

HAHS Ecology Club Goes Greener

2009-12-30T14:59:00.000-08:00

The Hemfield Area High School Ecology Club will be kicking off an electronics recycling drive when schools resumes after the holiday break. HAHS has teamed up with Ecophones.com in order to provide a safe disposal alternative for cell phones and other hazardous items. Did you know that there is enough lead, copper, and antimony in cell phones to classifiy them as hazardous waste????

ECO MAN IS BORN

2009-12-30T14:49:00.000-08:00

Hempfield now has their own super hero.... and yes, he is green as the day is long.... We need all the help we can get if we are going to make a difference! Check out his first eco-mmercial.

Hempfield High Goes Green Nuts

2009-10-21T18:15:00.001-07:00

In just 10 short days, the Hempfield Area High School's recycling program has collected over 2000 pounds of paper... thats 2000 pounds of paper that isnt going into Westmoreland County Land Fills. The program is supported by Abitibi of Pittsburgh. Check out one of the earlier posts below to get more info about Abitibi. Check out this most recent green video from the Green Spartans.

Hempfield High Gets Busy

2009-10-06T06:07:00.000-07:00

In attempts to start a schoolwide green movement, Hempfield Area High School has started a building wide paper recyling program in partnership with Abitibi. Abitibi's Paper Retriver Program offers a great opportunity for all Pittsbugh schools. And, its a great way to generate some extra funds- Abitibi will pay your school for the paper! Not only will they pay for your waste paper, they will give your school a storage bin and will also transport the material. Check out their site.

Why I Started PFC.....

2009-09-16T04:57:00.000-07:00

Well, there sure isnt just one reason I decided to devote much of my time and effort to the green cause. The video below will briefly touch on one of the numerous issues that motivated me to do....something. Have you ever heard of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? Well check it out. You probably wont believe your eyes.

Westmoreland Cleanways Caught Green Handed

2009-08-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

If you are anywhere near Westmoreland County you need to look up this amazing group of green crusaders. Westmoreland Cleanways is extremely dedicated and active in preserving and protecting the local environment. You have to check out their Fugitive Tire Progam along with thier extensive educational resources - all provided for free on their great site. Check em out today!
Website:
http://www.westmorelandcleanways.org/WhoWeAre.htm

Paper Retriever - Helping 'Burg Schools Go Green

2009-08-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

Not sure how to get your school involved in the green movement? Looking for a way to start a recycling program that will actually generate green ($$$) for your school? Look no further. Paper Retirver, out of Pittsburgh, is the perfect solution. Not only will they bring a giant paper receptacle (a cool-looking dumpster) to your school, they will pick it up, track your results, and then write a check to your school. YES, IM SERIOUS!! You have to visit their site today. You can make a difference.

Paper Retriever Website

Hempfield Area School District Caught Green Handed - Adopts Progressive Green Policy

2009-08-07T05:46:00.000-07:00

Hempfield Area School District has recently adopted one of the most comprehensive Energy Management policies in the state of PA. This policy is truly amazing and worth examining. And, this policy isnt just for the hard core tree huggers out there. If you are interested in saving your district some serious (and immediate)green, this green policy is for you. Click on the link below to view Hempfield Energy Management policy.

Hempfield's Energy Management Policy

Administrative Regulations

NWF Caught PFC Green-handed

2009-06-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

The NWF did a great job covering the DC trip. They featured us in their blog. Check it out..... If NWF isnt green, no one is.
click below:
NWF Blog

PFC Makes it to DC in 52 Hours

2009-06-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

Well,it was a hell of an adventure and the legs were a little worn out, but we made it....... Check out the interview that was taken at the DC by NWF.

NWF Interview

United High School Wins Phipps' Fairchild Challenge

2009-06-04T04:29:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the amazing students at United High School. I am very proud of my school for their outstanding year-long performance. The Fairchild Challenge is a multidisciplinary, standard-based, environmental education program inviting high school students to learn about current environmental issues.
United proved that a little school in rural PA can not only compete but beat the biggest schools Pittsburgh has to offer. United will use the $1000 first place award to enhance their composting and recycling programs as well as plan a "Take Back the Earth Day" for Indiana County Schools.

PFC Green Ride Promo Video

2009-06-02T14:29:00.001-07:00

Check out our ride promo. We leave Sunday at 8 am from the Levi Deal Mansion in Meyersdale.

Green Ride 2009

2009-06-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

Principals For Change will soon set out for another green ride to DC. The group, led by PFC Director, Aaron Steinly, is hoping to continue to promote green education to schools across the state and country. PFC did the DC trip last June in 9 days- on foot. The 216.9 mile journey started in Meyersdale, PA and ended 9 days later in DC. This year PFC will climb aboard mountain bikes on Sunday, June 7 and ride 55 hour to DC. The group plans to arrive in DC on Tuesday, June 9th at 1 pm.
Stay tuned! Check out our website at www.principalsforchange.org

PFC and United High School Get Good Ink

2009-04-27T05:16:00.000-07:00

Pittsburgh's TribLive has been doing a great job covering United's green journey as well as PFC's initiatives throughout the year. Check out the 2 new articles from last week's TribLive.

Ecological Challenges have United Turning Green
School Network Site Promotes Energy Awareness

PCEE Caught Green Handed

2009-04-16T04:26:00.000-07:00

If you are into environmental education and wanna get your socks knocked off, check out PCEE and their amazing website. You will find endless resources ranging from their one of a kind CritterQuest to their Green Guide to Pennsylvania... a must see for all enviro-ed-junkie.

Clcik here to visit PCEE.org

CTC Donates Hydrogen Fuel Cells

2009-04-16T04:18:00.000-07:00

Phase one is complete..... We found some hydrogen fuel cells - thanks to CTC (Concurrent Technologies of Johnstown Pa). The good folks at CTC believe in Project GreenHouse and have graciously donated 3 fuel cells to the cause. We will be working with an operational 1kw and 2kw hydrogen fel cell and a 1kw parts fuel cell that no longer works (perfect for learning about their nuts and bolts).
Next step, locate some good solar and wind people to help get the Alternative Energy Learning Center off the ground.

Project GreenHouse

2009-03-31T06:43:00.000-07:00

Next project- Project Greenhouse.... Our not-so-greenhouse is about to go green - I mean really green. Our plan is take it completely off the grid and convert into an Alternative Learning Center - utilizing hydrogen fuel cells, wind, and solar pv cells to power the entire set-up. We are just in the research stages and plan to proceed immediately. We are also researching micro-environments and the requirements for controlling and monitoring it with robotics. Thank goodness we have some great minds in our robotics class.

United's Recycle Fashion Show An International Hit

2009-03-30T05:13:00.000-07:00

Kelsey Isenberg shows off some "trashy fashion"

United's Recycle Fashion Show rocked the house. Over 100 kids got involved (grades 5-12)and some amazing fashions were created. Father Gabriel Zeis, President of St. Francis Univeristy was the guest MC. Also, a special thanks to the Judges: Renee Cambruzzi - Phipps Conservatory, Beth Bollinger - St. Vincent College, Dr. Janet Blood- IUP, and Gabriel Zeis. The winning fashions will be displayed at the Pa Dept of Education for the month of April.

Thanks to all the amazing sponsors:
Sponsors:
Phipps Conservatory
Pittsburgh Zoo
Penn Future
CJL Engineering
Community Foundation for the Alleghenies
Wright Knox Shipping
St. Francis Univeristy
St. Vincent College
I.U.P
Coys Pizza
9th Street Deli
PDE
Grand Prize ($200) was provided by Principals For Change

News Releases:
Tribune Democrat
USA Today.com
International News

United High School Green Progress

2009-03-24T07:14:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the green progress that United High School has made since September 08.... The link below will take you to the Green Advisory Board update. In the update, you can see all of the on-going green initiatives at UHS.
PS: I am a principal at United HS

Green Advisory Board Summary

PA Turnpike Commission Caught Green Handed

2009-03-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

Pa Turnpike now has green parking spots at rest stops across PA. The special spots are designated for hybrid/flex fuel/enviro-friendly autos.

United High School Writes/Adopts Enviropact

2009-03-17T05:47:00.000-07:00

United staff and students have worked together in order to come up with a comprehensive school-wide green pact. The EnviroPact is an agreement between students and staff on energy consumption/usage, recycling, composting and changing daily habits to more enviro-friendly ones.

Click here to see the United High School EnviroPact

Phipps Conservatory Caught Green Handed

2009-03-17T05:38:00.000-07:00

Who better to catch green handed than Phipps Conservatory.... They invented green. This year Phipps has launched the Fairchild Challenge for the 2008-2009 school year in area schools across Western Pennsylvania.
United High School has been lucky to be involved with Phipps on this amazing year long program.
The Fairchild Challenge is a program of the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables (Miami), FL. Launched in 2002 at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden as a pilot program; it has caught on to become a leading environmental education program now in its sixth year of success. Each year Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden trains other public garden and education sites to become satellite partners for The Fairchild Challenge. Engaging students world wide in environmental awareness.

Fairchild Challenge Goals:
*To increase environmental awareness, scholarship, and stewardship of teens.
*Engage a broad and diverse audience of students and teachers by extension, their families, neighbors, and communities.
*To help teachers meet academic standards in a fun and competitive way.
*To celebrate and award schools, students, and teachers for their efforts in environmental awareness.

Visit the Official Fairchild Challenge website.

Recycling Presents Major Challenges

2009-03-17T05:26:00.000-07:00

Everyone thinks that recycling is a fun and easy way to get kids involved in the green movement..... Guess again. United's recycling program has been a work in progress. The first thing we learned was that schools are a major waste producer - and I mean major. The issue that we faced right out of the gate was storage. What are we going to do with tons of paper products and plastics? The sheer volume alone was staggering. We researched every possible solution. First we tried to go through the county. Indiana County has a much too limited program to handle our needs. Next, we thought about building a storage complex - but the overall costs and the involvement needed from the state and school district was overwhelming. Our next plan was to look at outside vendors to see if they could provide recycling bins and transortation. No luck- we are too remote. But we got lucky... We constructed a plan with the Recycling Center and Krise Transportation (Krise is our school bus provider). The county is supplying us with huge cardboard boxes to store the recyleable waste and Krise is transporting the material to the Recycling Center in Homer City. What an incredible partnership for us. Since November, we have recycled over 4000 pounds of paper products. We are starting with plastics next week.

United Goes Green

2009-03-17T05:20:00.000-07:00

Since the walk, we decided that it was time to put up or shut up. Could we actually become a model green school or just talk about it? So we decided to take action. The first step was to get the right people involved. We assembled 2 teams:

1. Green Advisory Board
2. United Teacher/Staff Green Team

The Green Advisory Board consists of 2 Indiana County Commissioners, Dr. Patty Vathis - Pa Dept of Ed, Gabriel Zeis - President of St. Francis University, Erik Foley - Director of the St. Francis Renewable Energy Center, Tim Long - Director of Indiana County Recycling Center, and Gladys Wright Knox - Owner of Wright Knox Shipping. The Green Advisory aboard was put together in order to get valuable input and involvement from experts in the field of education and industry.

The School Green Team consists of teachers and students who want to make a difference and get involved in the greening of the UNited School District.

It aint easy being Green.....

2008-10-31T12:33:00.000-07:00

We have been working around the clock.... Getting a whole school to go green is no easy task. We have been offline for a while but are back and greener than ever..... I will be adding a bunch more posts in the upcoming days on the Green Progress that we are making here at United. We have formed a Green Advisory Board, Green Committee of students and teachers, started a full-scale recycling program, converted my 1984 Benz into a greasecar that has the ability to run on straight waste oil (from Giant Eagle), formed a EnviroPact for teachers and students, and are working on a plan to start composting food waste from the school caf and much much more....
Watch this video... We are already planning for EcoJourney Part II. This time we bike it in 36 hours - stay tuned.

We ARE back!

2008-09-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry for disappearing for a month or so... We have been trying to get back into the swing of things... We are now working on going green here at United High School. Stay tuned many more entries.....

Back to Work and Ready to Roll Up Sleeves

2008-06-26T05:24:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to thank everyone again for their support. The trip was amazing and horrible - if that's possible. But now we are healing up and planning to make some real green noise. We are in the process of planning out the Green Academy for educators -which will be run with ACORE. PFC GreenSpaces will be the main focus of the conference/event. The goal: To get school across the country to join GreenSpaces. Once a member, each school will come up with their own green plan and use the online community to share and collaborate with schools across the country. Stay tuned.

WE MADE IT!!!!!!!

2008-06-14T04:23:00.000-07:00

12:30 Couldnt have come any quicker....

With Mike Eckhart, President of ACORE (and new partner of PFC)

On the balcony of the Speaker of the House's Office... amazing........

Thank you all very much... We must now roll up our sleeves and get busy. We will be launching the Green Academy for principals across the country in partnership with ACORE in the near future as well as growing PFC GreenSpaces. Now its time to catch our breaths. Our feet walked us to DC but you guys carried us
Aaron

Harpers Ferry Falls

2008-06-10T15:01:00.000-07:00

We have been praying for rain for days.... Thank the lord... We made it to the 60 mile point and we feel much better. We have time to rest and collect ourselves - we are back in (near) civilization. KDKA Radio called today for an interview. And, we are trying to call out the presidential candidates to meet us on the trail - why not??? The Speaker of the House is seeing us on Friday.
We would love to hear their feelings on the energy crisis... finally.
3 days to go. We are at The Towns Inn and its amazing. See you in 3 days at DC.

Back on the grid and within 100 miles

2008-06-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry we lost contact for the last few days.... PAW PAW WV is pretty much in the middle of nowhere and we had no service. We were truly in the wild. We are back near civilization and only 100 miles from DC. Every step is borderline agony and the heat is brutal. The worst part..... snakes. We almost stepped on a timber rattler and a copperhead right on the trail. That would not be good. We have 27 tomorrow and we are will only 75 out. I have never realized how much I took food and water for granted.

NBC Universal Picks Up PFC Walk

2008-06-05T20:58:00.000-07:00

Millions of kids across the country watched the video that the United High School Video Prouction class created about PFC. Check out their site.
ChannelOne.com

A Royal Send Off for PFC - We are on the trail right now!

2008-06-05T20:23:00.000-07:00

Many showed up to see the PFC Walkers on their way. At 6 am in Meyersdale Pa (from the gorgeous Levi Deal Mansion) the PFC Walkers set off for DC: First leg, 31 miles. Trail Update - WE MADE IT to Cumberland Md by 8 pm - only 64,008 steps. The Bruce House Inn met us with a wondeful dinner. Thanks Pam.
A special thanks to the Secretary of Education (Dr Zahorchak) for calling at 6 am sharp for a farewell sendoff and a re-partnering with PFC. When we return we will be meeting with Dr. Z and Governor Rendell.
We will be back to the journey heading to PAW PAW in the morning. Email us on the trail.

Levi Deal Mansion Greets PFC

2008-06-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

A special thanks to the folks at the Levi Deal Mansion. This is hands down the most impressive restoration projects that I have ever seen. Mr. Fred Dixon has turned a rundown abandoned eyesore in my home town into a world class historic American beauty. Meyersdale Pa has really taken to the “restoration craze”. We are proud to be here. In the morning, we walk…… Day 1. Cumberland Md here we come.

FOX/ABC Teams With PFC

2008-06-02T17:13:00.001-07:00

FOX WWCP/ABC WATM makes a huge committment to PFC. After a brief meeting with these amazing people, they agreed to the following:
1. Posting our interactve Google map on daily news broadcasts - this map will show exact PFC location along the C & O Canal. We will update it via GPS. This can also been seen on our homepage during the trip.
2. Having us call the station with trail side reports.
3. Agree to producing and airing The Green Minute. The Green Minute will be a weekly news update given by me, on the air. In the news report I will tell the community how they can "go green" in a very practical and effective fashion.
4. Donate directly to the PFC non-profit fund.
This is amazing and PFC personally thanks Mr. Frank Quitoni,CEO.

If you cant laugh at yourself.....

2008-06-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

Justin, the other walker (that's what we call him) decided to poke a little fun - at ourselves.... This is what happens when people have too much times on their hands.
Please watch with a sense of humor... There has been so much going on that we just really needed to take a step back and not take ourselves too seriously.
Enjoy.
If you are having trouble, click here to watch it at YouTube direct.

EUREKA! VegOil Based Fuel Produced In High School Lab

2008-05-30T08:20:00.001-07:00

Our first batch of vegetable oil-based fuel is almost ready for the test grounds - my 1984 Mercedes Benz 300 DT diesel. The process was so simple yet so complex. Its all about tranesterification. Yes, drop that term at a party. It's as simple as taking large hydrocarbon molecules (veg oil) and creating esters from them. Once that is completed, the end product (veg oil based fuel) will burn amazingly clean and efficient.. Efficient enough to run a 1984 Benz. Stay tuned for updates. This batch just needs a little bath and its ready for the Benzo. Good job Mr. Whitcomb and Mitch DeRubis.

Laurel Auto Group Donates Hybrid for Trip

2008-05-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

Laurel Auto Group of Johnstown PA partners with P.F.C! L.A.G personally purchased a Toyota Highlander Hybrid for the official P.F.C chase car. The hybrid will be driven by Mike Lee, a teacher at United High School. Mike will be waiting at each stop on the C & O Canal with fresh clothes and supplies. Mike will also be doing the tech updates on the website as well as giving constant tech support for the entire trip.

Great P.R. From Local Media

2008-05-28T17:58:00.000-07:00

Check out the newest article written by the Tribune Democrat. A wonderful story by Ms. Urban.
Tribune Democrat article click here

Project Green Car Now In the Works: 84 Diesel Benz + Giant Eagle Fryer Oil = Happy Earth

2008-05-23T05:51:00.000-07:00

We have officially started our Project Green Car. A team of United High School best and brightest students, lead by Sir Mitchel DeRubis, will work with United's Chemistry Dept in collaboration with a professor from a local university in the field. The team will research the 3 most common ways to use non-hydrogenated oil to run my 1984 Mercedes Benz 300 DT diesel car. The research project has already started, and I look forward to a full report and reccomendation by July 31 (no pressure Mitch). August 1st we will proceed. A special thanks to Mercedes for being ahead of their time as well as Giant Eagle of Indiana PA and Mr Ed Bratton, owner, for giving us an weekly supply of oil from his personal Giant Eagle. Thanks Ed and Dennis Bray, GM.

Overwhelmed.... Just want to thank all those who are supporting us.

2008-05-22T19:08:00.001-07:00

So many people have contacted us from all over the country..... But the most important support has come from our backyard - Armagh PA, Indiana PA and Johnstown Pa. The people here are amazing. Our own students and staff at United High School have been our biggest supporters and if no else shows up in DC it will be ok because our families, teachers, friends, and students will. And we wanted to thank the teachers for committing to preparing and bringing us food at each location on the C and O trail. And the students.... they have been amazing. Thanks United and surrounding friends.

PAEE Caught Green Handed

2008-05-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

The Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators have been green for a long time.... They not only teach green they live green. Thanks PAEE.
Visit their site and tell them hello. they are good people doing great tings.
Click below to visit their site:
PAEE

P.F.C Making a Difference in the Classroom

2008-05-20T17:52:00.001-07:00

One of our goals is to make major changes in our own school - United High in Armagh Pa. WJAC TV did this fabulous story today on how our students are not only working to ensure that we make it to DC alive, but also to learn about the human body, more specifically, comparing the thermal/energy efficiency of automobiles and the human body. Teaching Green can occur in any class and any subject. And, if you tie it into with an authentic learning scenario, change occurs.
Click below to view the newest WJAC story on PFC.

WJAC News PFC 5/20/08

ACORE Commits to Hosting P.F.C When We Arrive in DC

2008-05-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

Mike Eckhart of the American Council of Renewable Energy has committed to hosting Princpals for Change when we arrive in DC. ACORE will be meeting us at the Reflection Pool at 12:30 on June 13th. This is monumental!
See you in DC?

Cali Auto Group of Palmyra PA Helps P.F.C. with Diesel Benz

2008-05-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

Giovanni Cali of Cali Auto Group has stepped up and decided to help Principals for Change. He stated that America needs more people working together to solve this crippling energy problem. Cali Auto Group specializes in Mercedes Benz diesels. Cali donated a portion of the car to our group. He even helped with the first tank of fuel. Principals for Change will be modifying the 1984 Mereceds Benz 300DT so that it can run on vegetable oil based fuel. The used fryar oil will be provided by Giant Eagle of Indiana Pa.
Cali also said that they would donate a portion of all diesel Benzs sold to friends of Principals or Change back to P.F.C. Just tell them that we sent you.
Thanks Giovanni for your support.

Gander Mountain Partners with P.F.C

2008-05-16T15:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Gander Mountain of Johnstown, Pa for outfitting Principals for Change for the walk to DC.
Special thanks to general manager Bruce Walkovich for supplying some great hiking apparel, goretex hiking boots, weather proof clothing and especially the Anti-Monkey Butt powder, which will come in handy.
Who's greener than Gander?

Giant Eagle Indiana PA Sponsoring P.F.C Walk to DC

2008-05-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

Giant Eagle officially committed to providing us food and other provisions for the walk to DC. They have also committed their used fryer oil for our newest project. We are converting a 1984 Mercedes Benz 300 Diesel Turbo to be able to run on vegetable oil. Details to come.

PA Secretary of Education Teams with Principals for Change

2008-05-15T12:27:00.001-07:00

Dr. Gerald Zahorchak gives Principals for Change his stamp of approval. In a phone interview today, Dr. Zahorchak teamed up with PFC.
"I am very enthusiastic about what you guys are doing, I give my, and the Departments, full support and partnership to Principals for Change." Dr. Zahorchak.
He also stated that he will try to be at either the trail head in Meyersdale, Pa on June 5th for day 1 or at Washington DC on June 13th for the rally at the DC Mall.

Read todays AP article on the Secretary of Education's endorsement of PFC:
Secretary of Education backs Principals for Change

CNN, MSN, FOX NEWS, Forbes, Washington Post and more look at Principals for Change

2008-05-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

The AP article has really picked up some steam. The AP article was picked up by many media sources.
CNN Covers Principals for Change Story
MSN and MSNBC
Fox News
Washington Post
Forbes
CNBC

New Sponsor - Conemaugh Development Corp.

2008-05-14T05:01:00.001-07:00

Bob Jones, CEO of the Conemaugh Development Corporation, is shown here making a contribution to the Principals for Change teacher grant program. All money donated will go directly into the non-profit fund established through the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies.
Thanks Conemaugh Development Corporation.

AP Picks Up Story

2008-05-13T05:17:00.000-07:00

Some great PR from the Associated Press today on our walk to DC and our Teacher Green Grant Program. Check out the article from the Chicago Tribune.

News Release - AP, Chicgo Review

State College High School Caught Green Handed

2008-05-12T15:53:00.000-07:00

Under the advisement of Mr. Paul Heasley, State College High School students (State College PA) will be manufacturing their own bio-diesel in the fall of 2008. Mr Heasley is inspiring other teachers in PA and the surrounding region to think green.

ACORE Caught Green Handed

2008-05-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

Another big boy in the race for a greener planet. Great source of everything green. These guys bring together all sectors of renewable energy.
ACORE.org

Press Release

2008-05-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Check out our first media release on WJAC TV.

WJAC News Story

Green Schools Intitiative Caught Green Handed

2008-05-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

These guys are the originals. They fully understand that education is the key component to a long-term energy solution. Check out their site for great educational information on the Green Movement.

http://www.greenschools.net/

St. Francis University Caught Green Handed

2008-05-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

St. Francis University's Renewable Energy Center, under the direction of Erik Foley, is doing some great things. Their goal is to lead and educate businesses, schools, and communities in the development of cost-effective, environmentally sound energy alternatives. Check out their website and the great work that they are doing in the Loretto Pa area:
St. Francis Renewable Energy Center

Our Walking Journey to DC

2008-05-02T14:08:00.001-07:00

We decided that it was time for someone to take a stand. Someone has to do something. We are hoping that this walk will motivate people, especially educators, to be part of the energy crisis solution. Our journey will begin in Meyersdale Pa June 5th, 2008 - 2days after our seniors graduate. We will travel to D.C. via the C & O Canal. We think we can inspire a change, one step at a time. We will be arriving in D.C. on June 13, 2008. Hopefully someone out there shares our concerns and passion. The map below illustrates our journey. See you in DC?

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First Official Post

2008-04-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to take a second to say hello. My name is Aaron Steinly and I am a principal at United High School in Armagh, Pennsylvania. Along with my fellow administrator Lewis Kindja(and several great teachers at United High School), I have decided to take a stand for a real solution to the growing energy crisis. We believe that education is the only real answer to the problems that we face today and will be facing for many days to come. To do our part, we decided to start a non-profit fund through the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies that will provide teachers grant money for designing and implementing "Green Projects" in schools and communities. Our goal is to begin giving classroom teachers monetary grants by September of 2008. Check out our website at www.principalsforchange.com.
Good people can make great things happen.