March 22, 2010: Schools' lights to be turned off where possible; participation encouraged at home 

The Halton District School Board is encouraging its schools to join communities around the world in support of Earth Hour 2010 on Saturday, March 27 from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. to show it is possible to take positive action on climate change.

Once again, the Ontario Ministry of Education, together with the sponsoring organization, World Wildlife Fund, has invited all schools and school boards to participate in this worthwhile endeavor.  According to the ministry, 29 boards and more than 925 schools across the province registered for Earth Hour in 2009.  This year, they’re challenging even more schools to get involved.

Schools in the Halton District School Board will set an example for their communities and lead into Earth Hour on Friday, March 26 by taking the following steps:

1. Registering their participation at http://wwf.ca/earthhour and committing to turning off all non-essential interior and exterior lights before going home on Friday night.
2. Celebrating Earth Hour in schools on March 26 by reading environmental quotes, stories, articles or plays, or songs with an environmental message during morning announcements. 
3. Turning off as many electric devices as possible during the final hour of school on Friday, March 26.  
4. Encouraging involvement at home by setting up a tally chart indicating family participation.

Participation in Earth Hour represents the Halton District School Board’s continued commitment to help schools implement and sustain environmental education and eco-friendly practices as outlined in the Board’s 2007-2010 Strategic Plan.

For additional information, contact:

Ron Ballentine (905) 631-6120 ext. 433 or
Kerry Sagar  (905) 631-6120 ext. 435
School Programs Department 
Halton District School Board