Fort River Students Launch Campaign to Solarize the State House

Source: Tim Austin

This week, 5th-grade students at Fort River Elementary School announced their campaign for putting solar panels on the roof of the Massachusetts State House and to pass “An Act relative to solar and battery decommissioning and stewardship” (S. 2569)  in the Massachusetts legislature.  “This bill will ensure that harmful parts of solar panels and their batteries are disposed of properly once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan,” said Lucy Nahm, a 5th-grade student at Fort River.  “In order to solve climate change, it is important that we make sure we can use solar energy safely for a very long time.”

As part of their campaign, students have reached out to the bill’s lead sponsor, Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton).  “I’m grateful to the Fort River students for their thoughtful advocacy and for lifting up the need to protect the environment as we address climate change,” said Comerford. “This legislation, S.2569, is about ensuring that as we expand renewable energy like solar, we also take responsibility for safely managing and mitigating the potential environmental impact. Fort River classes have a long history of advocating for what’s right at the state level. I know we’re going to get this bill passed together.” The students plan to meet with members of Comerford’s staff, as well as Representative Mindy Domb (D-Amherst), on Tuesday, May 26 at their school to talk about their campaign. 

The students have been giving presentations on climate change to classes at their school in both English and Spanish and collecting petition signatures. Fort River houses a dual language program called Caminantes.  “Student agency is at the heart of this experience,” said Tamera Sullivan-Daley, Fort River’s Principal.  As part of this project, “students are empowered to make meaningful decisions, take ownership of their learning, and see the real-world impact of their actions. Their leadership, confidence, and life skills clearly emerge early, showing that students are not just learning; they are demonstrating that leadership can start at any age.” So far the students have collected 192 signatures, written on miniature suns and placed into a large cardboard solar panel built by the class, and are considering building additional grassroots support in their neighborhoods.

As a way to raise awareness about the urgent need to address climate change, students will also be hosting a panel discussion with climate change experts, activists, and members of the local government at Fort River Elementary School. This event will take place in early June. 

For more information please contact  Lucy, Ida, Isabella, and Jonah through their teacher: Tim Austin (austint@arps.org)