Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/63126
recycle cell phones, which otherwise might end up in the landfill, where the battery acid might cause harm to the environment. Students also collect footwear for Soles for Souls James Athans, 14, says it makes him feel good to (www.soles4souls.org), which distributes used shoes to disaster victims and poor people worldwide. Heskett's students have increased environmental awareness throughout the district, which now has solar panels, thanks to the passage of a bond measure. "Students run their projects like it was a job," explains Heskett, president of the Fremont Education Association. "They maintain relationships with oth- ers by collecting items, documenting how much they collect, and keeping the school informed about recycling on our The color of SUCCESS "We learn by doing," says Annie Turner, a member of the Atascadero District Teachers. "Our goal is to apply everything we are learning to the real world and make it relevant." Turner is the coordinator of Atascadero High School's Green Academy in San Luis Obispo County, which offers core subjects with a "green twist" relating to the environment and sustainable energy, especially when it comes to math and science. Students call themselves the "Greenhounds," since the school's regular mascot is a greyhound. They tend an organic garden, compost and recycle, as well as do beach cleanup, creek restoration, and other environmental projects. At-risk students were intentionally selected website [sites.google.com/site/mrhes- kettssite]. They even give presentations in the community. They learn to think beyond them- selves. This program has helped them blossom as people. Annie Turner " "Our population is more diverse and more at risk than the high school overall, yet we have the most improved for the academy, which includes special educa- tion students, English learners, emotionally disturbed students, and others with an environ- mental interest. Sunny Galbraith works with students who have the honor of hacking up apples and other garbage for worm composting. April 2012 / www.cta.org 13