NEW LONDON -- The Little Theatre in New London may soon go green thanks to the work of some New London-Spicer Middle School students.
During the NLS School Board's meeting Monday, 10 eighth-grade students with the district's Energy Summit group presented research on the procedures and costs to make New London's Little Theatre more energy efficient.
The students focused on improving the energy efficiency of the building's lighting, insulation and ability to create power through the use of a wind turbine. The students accumulated their information by making many phone calls and writing to numerous energy agencies and companies.
The group, with assistance from advisors Teresa Copley and Kay Slama, concluded that compact fluorescent light bulbs, environmentally friendly spray-foam insulation and a wind turbine could make the theatre more energy efficient, save on electrical bills and minimize the building's production of greenhouse gases.
The students raised $4,948 from grants, fundraisers and donations through local associations and businesses for the insulation portion of the project.
ADVERTISEMENT
Following the presentation, the board indicated that extra funding and timPe may be dedicated to the Youth Energy Summit group's research next year.
"We value your input," said board chair Karen Nelson. "Hopefully more funding is coming your way."
Nelson indicated the New London-Spicer Education Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises money for programs and projects that would enhance student learning and staff development, would make a decision on funding more research during its June 9 meeting.
The students said they hoped future eighth graders could continue the research and help accumulate grants and funds for finishing the long-term project.
