On a mission to save their campus energy and time, members of the Lakeview Centennial High School Principal’s Advisory Council introduced a novel, student-led conservation organization in 2014-15. Known as Watt Patrol, the eco-conscious group helped the Patriots achieve one of the highest facility shutdown rates by the end of the year, successfully establishing their impact on campus.
“This program has increased the accountability for adults, but it has also given student leaders the ability to contribute to the campus’ overall efforts,” said Principal Angel Rivera. “Watt Patrol is important because it instills the awareness of conservation into students and teachers. They are aware of where the savings would go and are excited to play their part.”
Taking note from Garland ISD’s Energy Conservation Program, Watt Patrol members perform random energy checks, looking for active electronics and running lights in vacant classrooms. If energy waste is observed, they leave an official Watt Patrol ticket. Students take time out of their personal schedule to complete this duty.
“Whenever one of us has a free period or time after school, we go around and check classrooms,” said senior Marquenys Brice. “When we are on duty, we knock on classroom doors, and if a teacher is in there, we tell them we are doing Watt Patrol and remind them to turn off their lights when they leave the room. If the room is empty and the door is closed, we look under the crack of the door to see if the lights are on. The goal is for teachers to be aware of what they leave on and reminded to turn off all electronics.”
Watt Patrol’s determination can be seen in their results. In the district’s latest Energy Conservation Program report, Lakeview was one of just three campuses to obtain the top high school shutdown rate—98 percent. Efforts of students and teachers like those at Lakeview have helped GISD save more than $2 million in energy costs since September 2013.
“The success of the program depends on everyone,” the report states. “Special thanks go to students for creative energy program initiatives and contests.”
Although many benefits have been observed during Watt Patrol’s debut year, members are looking forward to refining the program next year.
“We meet once a month at Principal’s Advisory Council meetings, but that is not enough,” said junior Tyler Alford. “If we are able to meet every week or so, that would make us more connected. We would be on the same page and able to monitor the hallways more efficiently.”
“I think the teachers and students should be more aware of what Watt Patrol is,” added junior Christopher Caldwell. “I also think we need to start a log and assign hallways to members next year. It is most important that we save energy for the school. All in all, that saves money for the district, and that money can be used for instruction or other school activities, which will help our school even more.”