Get started and keep going.
Your Watt Watchers of Texas patrol groups are doing a great service to the school. Promote these facts to your whole school through announcements. Publicly thank teachers who have shown consistent energy efficiency. Announce any extra projects you may be adding to your watch. You could even give a general location of the school that needs some extra help remembering to turn off their lights. An assembly to introduce the other students to the program can be helpful.
Occasional announcements of Watt Watchers patrol results; recognition of rooms and grade levels which have good records; bulletin board displays; energy efficiency competitions between areas; special notes or privileges for winners; and pats on the backs for the patrols and staff are little things which make successful programs.
Sample 1
Did you know that our school electricity bill is $11,700 each month? After we started the Watt Watchers patrols, our bill went down by $3,500 dollars each month. Over a year, that could pay for all new playground equipment. Would you like to pay more electric bills or have more swings? Please remember to turn off the lights in the classroom when you leave.
Sample 2
The Watt Watchers have been patrolling our school for two months. We would like to thank Mrs. Wood in room 227 and Mr. Thomas in room 112 for always turning their lights off when they leave the classroom. Keep up the good work.
Sample 3
The Watt Watchers will be adding outside doors to our patrols this week. We will be checking to make sure all doors to the outside are closed so we don’t air condition the playground. Please make sure you close the door behind you when you enter the building or go to the portables. We will be placing signs on the doors as a reminder to you as well.
Sample 4
The Watt Watchers have noticed that certain areas of the building are having trouble remembering to turn their lights off when they leave the classroom. Could all students help the second floor of the North wing remember? Remember that there will be an award at the end of the year for the classroom that makes the most improvement.
When you are starting or restarting a Watt Watchers program in your school or district, you may want to communicate your project to stakeholders outside your school. Here’s a sample press release that can help you start the discussion with a community newsletter or your local newspaper.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Juan Garcia, (512) 577-7017, contact@watt-watchers.com
LOCAL CONTACT: _____ (sponsor’s name)
The _____ Independent School District is implementing a new energy education program at _____. They introduced the Watt Watchers of Texas program on _____,____. This program enables schools to save energy dollars while students learn energy saving habits.
Students chosen to be a part of Watt Watchers of Texas patrol assigned areas of the school, checking for lights left on in unused areas. The Watt Watchers leave “tickets” for energy wasters and may leave thank you notes where their recorded data shows consistent energy efficiency.
The students actively promote energy efficiency, learn new habits and teach others about energy conservation.
The Watt Watchers of Texas office provides materials, technical support, and training of the students and staff as a free service to encourage energy efficiency. Watt Watchers of Texas has assisted many schools across Texas in reducing electric bills.
This program is funded by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, State Energy Conservation Office, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the University of Texas at Austin.
