A brand new club has an exciting future to enhance TJ’s environmental awareness.
Photo by Mia Nogueira
Two of TJ’s favorite science teachers, Scott Thomas and Brett Butera, along with Special Education Teacher Kerry Black, are sponsoring the brand new Green Club to enhance the knowledge and interest in going green. Thomas explains why he is so proud to start this club, “The idea of looking at making TJ more eco-friendly and passing that knowledge along I’ve always liked and been interested in, is great. The idea was actually presented to me by a parent and alumni Kendra Black who liked the new addition of solar panels and thought a club would be fun.”
The new solar panels on the roof of TJ, provided by Namasté Solar, will produce approximately 2,521,890 kWh per year and reduce the annual carbon dioxide emissions by 5,164,831 lbs per year. According to Namasté Solar, these panels, along with the panels provided to other Denver Public Schools will save the district an estimated $1.1 million this year.
Thomas wants to be able to use the school as an example and make students aware of how to be more eco-friendly. “Ultimately the [club’s] goal will be to educate the students and the surrounding community about the benefits and the ways to help reduce their carbon footprint,” said Thomas.
The club members will decide what kind of activities it partakes in and will eventually begin to meet once per month. “Mr. Thomas really grabbed my interest but I liked the fact that it would make TJ more green as well as make the community more aware of what we’re doing. I have a strong opinion about the environment and its well being. The recycling program was a good start but I think we can always do more,” said Junior Michael Mahoney.
Thomas is very welcoming for any new members to the club. “Whoever is interested can join; obviously, if you’re passionate about an ecological issue or interested in going green then you should join. Students who are interested in my AP Bio class are generally interested as well, but that is by no means a requirement!” Thomas explained.
Some of the things the club has already set up to do are monitoring the energy produced by TJ and by the new solar panels as well as teaming up with the Special Education Program to manage TJ’s recycling program and take advantage of the green house to grow food and serve it in the cafeteria. The club hopes to come up with funding for a student-managed farm or orchard on unused TJ property.
Co-Sponsor Kerry Black, who is also a teacher here at TJ, said,”Some of our club’s goals are to improve the TJ recycling program and continue educating students on what can and can not be recycled; to possibly develop a composting project with the TJ cafeteria; and we even hope to plant a TJ garden and sell our produce at our own farmer’s market. We are also intent on repairing and rejuvenating the TJ greenhouse.”
For more information on the Green Club, email or stop by Black’s, Butera’s, or Thomas’s classrooms. Also, stay tuned to the Spartan Edition for new announcements.
