ST. MARGARET MARY DEANERY — The seventh-grade students and teachers at Our Lady of the Visitation School in Green Township are working to help the future of our planet, one step at a time. In partnership with Wm. Kramer & Son Roofing and Sheet Metal, the students are planting, installing and maintaining a sustainable "green" roof on the school.

A green roof describes a collection of modules with plants that are installed on the roof of an existing structure. The plants provide oxygen, preserve the life of the roof, help use and manage storm water and also provide biodiversity and wildlife value. Reducing energy costs, decreasing air pollution and contributing to the overall well-being of students are further reasons that green roofs are an effective environmental tool.

CT/E.L. HUBBARD

Visitation’s technology teacher, Jane Kramer, assists students putting the trays in place.

Inspiration for the idea came to Visitation’s technology teacher, Jane Kramer, on a recent trip to New York City. "I was on the top of the Chrysler Building looking down upon the rooftops and thought about how different the view would be if all of the rooftops were green. The light bulb went off in my head, and I was in school on Monday morning talking with others about how we could make this happen."

Terry Chapman, principal of Our Lady of the Visitation, said that this is an excellent project. "Whenever you can provide students with a real-life, hands-on scientific experience, it makes for great high-interest learning. Besides enhancing the math and science curriculum, the students are learning to be environmental stewards and to respect, protect and enhance their community."