The South Whidbey Schools Foundation recently received a $2,500 grant from Puget Sound Energy to support teacher-initiated projects related to environmental education and renewable energy use in the schools and the community.

The grant will be allocated over a three-year period.

In its first allocation of the grant dollars, the foundation awarded $1,135 to Langley Middle School science teachers Jay Fruendlich, Leslie Hoelting and Don Zisette for a science field study at the school. Their group project, which was selected for its unique opportunity and ability to reach more than 400 students, is an integrated earth, physical and life-science study of the local marine environment.

“The SWSF funding committee unanimously selected this project as one that will successfully teach many students about their local environment,” said foundation president Lisa Bjork. “Because it is a hands-on project involving their own community, students will gain a deep understanding of the value of sustaining and protecting their environment.”

As a result of the grant, all sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade middle school students will participate in a week-long, authentic field study investigating the quality of the water in local creeks and waterways.

“PSE takes great pride in our corporate citizenship program and our support for valuable community programs such as this,” said Walt Blackford, PSE’s community services supervisor and. “Our contribution will support the creative work of teachers who are passionate about teaching children and young adults on South Whidbey to be stewards of the beautiful place in which we all live.”

The contribution from PSE is a great example of how our schools and community can support each other for long-term benefit, Bjork added.

The remainder of PSE’s contribution will be allocated at the discretion of the schools foundation toward school projects that provide students with new experiences related to the environment and energy education.

The South Whidbey Schools Foundation provides funding for projects outside the scope of the school district budget which encourages educational excellence for the benefit of students in the South Whidbey School District.

For more information, visit www.southwhidbeyschoolsfoundation.org.