The People for Energy & Environmental Literacy (PEEL) Program

By: Westmount Charter School

Forty-two Grade 4 students from Westmount Charter School, their two teachers and one highly-committed parent volunteer created PEEL, a literacy program that empowers students to understand the environmental, social and economic challenges and opportunities around energy consumption, climate change and sustainability. With the support of over 25 energy-sector organizations, PEEL has inspired students and parents to evaluate their energy usage through environmental initiatives such as an EcoFair, weekly nature field trips, letter writing campaigns, home and school audits, a “turn me off” campaign, and various art and math activities.  Students are learning the power of their voices, the impacts of their choices and the need for continued and immediate change concerning the environment.