New Year!

The coming of a new year is always an opportune time for reflecting on the past, and envisioning the future. Since November, when the project was first imagined, it is amazing how far SSS has progressed. As for timing, we are right on track, set to start fundraising in January and hopefully have the panels installed in June, depending on the speed of district permit implementation. 2008 has been an incredible year, and keeping optimistic, as the necessary funds and approval begin to fall into place, next year may be even better.

Accomplished:
•    Created Students for Solar Schools website and blog: http://www.studentsforsolarschools.org
•    250 Signatures on a petition to prove student body desire for solar power
•    Approval with the school administration
•    Meetings with the District Energy Manager
•    Rough agreement with Solar Electrical Systems of 2.9Kw for $10,000
•    2 Student for Solar Schools Club meetings
•    Initial talks with Council Member Jacqui Irwin
•    Publicity from the school newspaper, The Arrow
•    Up-to-date with guidebook for how to get solar on your school

Next Steps:
•    Creation of a School ASG account for depositing of grants and funds
•    Meeting with Superintendent, possible referral to facilities department
•    Obtaining City Grants, Individual, large-scale contribution, school small fundraiser
•    Expansion to students at other schools (Arielle Gillman, Oak Park)
•    Create Poster for permanent display in science hall of PV technology.
•    Figure out exact requirements for bidding, obtaining permit.
•    Plan for Solar Energy Science incorporation into curriculum.

Wish List:
•    Status as a 501c(3) non-profit corporation so we can accept large grants
•    Expansion to other schools
•    National publicity at Opening Ceremony to catalyze similar movement at other schools
•    No Bureaucracy at the School District Level