watt watchers student energy patrol program manual

8/9/2019 Watt Watchers Student Energy Patrol Program Manual

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Watt Watchers is a free, state-sponsored program tohelp schools save energy and money by getting studentsinvolved. Students patrol their school looking for emptyclassrooms with the lights on. They turn out the lightsand leave a ticket for the teacher. It may sound trivial

but…when the teacher forgets to turn out the lights anextra 2 hours per day, at lunch and after school, forexample —it costs the district $50 every year.

Get your students involved.Save energy,

save money,and prevent pollution.

Sign up for a free kit today.

Watt Watchers of TexasUniversity of Texas at El Paso – Energy Center

P.O. Box 68660El Paso, Texas 79968

Toll Free Phone and Fax: 1-888-US-WATTS e-mail: [email protected] Internet: http://wattwatchers.org



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Program ManualProgram ManualProgram ManualProgram ManualProgram Manual

A Texas Tradition

www.wattwatchers.orgE-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 1-888-US WATTSFax 1-888-US WATTS

The Energy CenterThe University of Texas at El PasoP.O. Box 68660

El Paso, Texas 79968

Sponsored by:The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts,

State Energy Conservation Office,U.S. Department of Energy

2nd printing



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The kit you receive will contain thefollowing:

44444 Watt Watchers of Texas three ring binders-

Use these to store your monthly patrol

records, thank yous, and tickets.

44444 Watt Watchers of Texas lanyards and name

tags- To identify your Watt Watcher students

while they are out in the halls.44444 Watt Watcher Pencils- To use while

recording data during the patrols or just to

promote the program at your school.

11111 Watt Watchers of Texas Manual- This

manual contains all the information you

will need to get your program going and

keep the enthusiasm high. It also contains

master copies of all our forms and awards.

11111 Watt Watchers of Texas CD-ROM- The paper

products you receive are also on the CD. You can print or modify the forms and

awards we have developed from this

source.

11111 Set of color copies of thank you notes and

tickets- We suggest you laminate these

pages and have reusable tickets. We are

trying to save energy, right?

11111 Mini Poster series- a series of mini posters

(81/2 x 11) that promote the Watt Watcher

program and our other projects.

IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction to W to W to W to W to W att W att W att W att W att W atchersatchersatchersatchersatchers

W W W W W att Watchers of Texas is a FREE energyconservation program for Texasschools sponsored by the Texas State

Energy Conservation Office/ Comptroller ofPublic Accounts and the Department ofEnergy. The program is designed for K-12classrooms, and it is so simple! Basically,students patrol the halls of the schools reducingenergy waste by turning off lights and leavingtickets for those that leave their lights on while

no one is in the room. By doing this, a schoolcould save $50 per classroom. That’s right, itcosts $50 per year to light an empty classroomfor two hours each school day.

Teachers, just place the Watt Watchersmaterials in a bin at your front door and assignyour students a time to go on patrolsthroughout the day and the work is done. Theprogram can be adapted to fit your teachingneeds and demands. The Watt Watchersprogram is designed to not interrupt daily

school activities. Thousands of students acrossTexas are now patrolling quickly and quietly.

Call 1-888-USWATTS or go online towattwatchers.org to enroll. Once you enrollin the program you will receive the free kit,which includes all the items you will need toget the program started at your school. Notonly will your school be provided with thesematerials, but Watt Watchers of Texas willprovide free support for the program and aquarterly newspaper with tips and articles

about successful programs and other projectsyour school can do. You will also have accessto all of our other programs such as Knowledgeis Power Curriculum Supplement, Sleep is GoodMonitor Power Management, Traveling EnergyExploration Stations and many more.



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SECO administers and delivers a variety ofenergy efficiency and renewableprograms which significantly impact

energy cost and consumption in theinstitutional, industrial, transportation andresidential sectors.

Authority and Authority and Authority and Authority and Authority and

OrganizationOrganizationOrganizationOrganizationOrganization

Created in response to the Arab oilembargo of 1973 and the resulting nationalenergy crisis, the Texas “energy office” hasevolved from its original function of respondingto state fuel shortage emergencies andadministering federal energy conservationgrants to its current role as a statewidepromoter of energy efficiency and provider ofenergy management services which have apositive impact on state energy expendituresand local property tax rates.

Beneficiaries of SECO’s services includestate agencies, public schools, city and countygovernments, institutions of higher education,private industries, and residential energyconsumers.

Originally known as the Governor’s Energy Advisory Council (1975), the State EnergyConservation Office has been housed in a

number of state agencies and undergoneseveral name changes. In 1999, the 76thTexas Legislature transferred the energy officeto the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.The primary funding source for SECOprograms has been oil overchargesettlement dollars resulting from federal courtsettlements of alleged violations of pricecontrols in effect for crude oil and refinedpetroleum products between 1973 and

1981. While the U. S. Department of Energy isthe federal agency responsible for ensuringcompliance with the court settlements, thestate’s responsibility is to return these fundsto the citizens of Texas through promoting andsupporting energy efficiency and renewableenergy programs according to state andfederal guidelines.

SECO’s task is to enable Texans to enjoythe optimal benefit from the domestic energywe produce, to contribute to our state’s

growing economy through reducing a majoroperational cost of state government, schooldistricts, municipal governments, hospitals,and small businesses, to promote thosetechnologies and procedures which result incost effective operation, and to showindividual Texas residents how an energyefficient ethic can enhance their quality oflife and that of future Texans.

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The mission of the State Energy Conservation Office is to maximize energy efficiency while protecting the environment.



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History of History of History of History of History of W W W W W att W att W att W att W att W atchersatchersatchersatchersatchers

EEEEEnergy efficiency programs have beenaround in our schools for many years.They come in all shapes and sizes and

with many different names, but the Watt Watchers of Texas program has helpedexpand thoseprograms .......

In 1985 theRegion IV E d u c a t i o n

Service Centerin Houston wasthe site of thepilot programfor Watt Watchers ofT e x a s .Galveston ISDwas one of thefirst schools toembrace theprogram withinRegion IV andreduced theirelectric bill by$25,000 thatyear. The nextyear, through acontract withthe University ofTexas PermianBasin, a Watt W a t c h e rprogram was implemented

for West Texas. Their program expanded toinclude over 160 school districts throughoutTexas by 1993. In 1997 Texas expanded theprogram to cover the entire state and dividedthe 254 counties between Watteam and Watt Watchers. Student patrols continued to look

19851985198519851985Region IV Education Service Center in

Houston was the site of the pilotprogram for Watt Watchers of Texas.

Galveston ISD reduced their electric bill by $25,000 that year.

Over 950 teachers have

been doing the program

for over five years.

Thousands of students

have learned about

conservation and energy

efficiency.

Winter 2006, 3796 teachers in over 550school districts have enrolled in the Watt

Watcher program.

Thousands of dollars have been saved…

20072007200720072007

for lights left on in empty classrooms andbegan to get involved in other projects to stopenergy waste, save money and preventpollution. In 2001 Watteam and Watt Watchers merged to form Watt Watchers of

Texas. This allowed us toput all of our resourcesinto helping students allover the state.

As of Winter 2006,3796 teachers in over550 school districts have

enrolled in the Watt Watcher program. There

are 961 teachers that have been doing theprogram for over five years. Thousands ofstudents have watched watts, ticketedteachers, learned about conservation andenergy efficiency and thousands of dollarshave been saved…



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Implementing Implementing Implementing Implementing Implementing the the the the the

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What is W What is W What is W What is W What is W att W att W att W att W att W atchers?atchers?atchers?atchers?atchers? Watt Watchers of Texas is a FREE program

to your school. The Watt Watcher patrol groups patrolassigned areas of the school,checking for energy waste inthe form of building lights. Ifstudents find lights on in emptyrooms they leave “tickets”; theymay leave thank you notes

where their recorded datashows consistent energyefficiency. The programfocuses on saving energy costsin the school and increasingstudent awareness of energyissues. Watt Watcher energypatrols have savedparticipating schools aroundthe nation from hundreds tothousands of dollars in energycosts each year.

Who can Who can Who can Who can Who canparticipate?participate?participate?participate?participate?

Anyone can form a Watt Watcher patrol. A classroomduring their energy unit, an energy relatedextra curricular group, or a serviceorganization are all examples of groups whocould patrol.

Who offers the program? Who offers the program? Who offers the program? Who offers the program? Who offers the program?

The Watt Watchers of Texas program isadministered by the Energy Center at theUniversity of Texas at El Paso. The program issponsored by the Texas State EnergyConservation Office (SECO).

When does it occur? When does it occur? When does it occur? When does it occur? When does it occur?Groups can patrol before and after

school, once a week, or justduring their energy unit.However it will fit into yourschedule. We encourageyou to patrol regularly . Themore often you patrol, themore energy and moneyyou will save for your

school. What is the What is the What is the What is the What is thecost?cost?cost?cost?cost?

The training and supportnecessary for the Watt Watchers program areabsolutely free, thanks tofunding from SECO. Whenyou enroll you will receivea start-up kit from Watt

Watchers of Texas. You willalso receive access to theother programs sponsoredby Watt Watchers such asthe Knowledge is Power

Curriculum Supplement, Traveling EnergyExploration Stations, Sleep is Good, DistrictEnergy Council, and much more.

Why bother? Why bother? Why bother? Why bother? Why bother?

Why should administrators and staff work to save energy? One answer is money.Reducing school energy costs can increasedollars available in the school district budgetfor educational uses. From a globalperspective, saving energy saves naturalresources and reduces associatedenvironmental problems.

Our energy future depends

on decisions students will make about

energy use;Watt Watchers gives them theopportunity to

make a difference now

by “doing something” for

their school.



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Y Y Y Y Y es, but why involvees, but why involvees, but why involvees, but why involvees, but why involvestudents?students?students?students?students?

Energy efficiency is everyone’sresponsibility. School is a significant part ofthe student’s world, and the Watt Watchersprogram is a proven method of teachingenergy efficient habits while reducing schoolelectric bills. Our energy future depends ondecisions students will make about energyuse; Watt Watchers gives them the opportunityto make a difference now by “doingsomething” for their school. All members ofthe Watt Watchers team will receive acertificate of participation.

Are lights that important? Are lights that important? Are lights that important? Are lights that important? Are lights that important?

In a typical Texas school, lighting alonecan account for 1/3 of the entire utility bill! Watt Watchers has assisted hundreds ofschools in reducing this cost. Hays CISD savedmore than $260,000 in the district electric bill. As an incentive the campuses thatparticipated were given 10 percent of whatthey saved. Campuses received checksranging from $300 to $11,000. Otherdistricts, using the Watt Watchers of Texas ideaalong with comprehensive energymanagement plans, report savings ofhundreds of thousands of dollars.

Could my schoolCould my schoolCould my schoolCould my schoolCould my school benefit from the benefit from the benefit from the benefit from the benefit from thedollar savings?dollar savings?dollar savings?dollar savings?dollar savings?

A portion of the savings may bereturned directly to the school asan incentive. But whether schoolsreceive rebates or not, studentsand staff learn energy efficiencyand everyone wins. Would your schoolrather pay for educational programming orutility bills?

How can my school startHow can my school startHow can my school startHow can my school startHow can my school start W W W W W att W att W att W att W att W atchers?atchers?atchers?atchers?atchers?

This manual includes the sequence ofsteps for organizing and implementing the

program as well as tickets, thank you notes,patrol records, student contracts, and othermaterials for teaching and motivatingstudents and staff. Copy and distribute thematerial as freely as needed. More

information is available on our web site(www.wattwatchers.org). For schools that donot have access to the internet, you canreach us by phone or fax. If you havequestions or need additional information, youcan send us an e-mail message([email protected]) or call us on our tollfree number (1-888-US WATTS). As a Watt Watcher of Texas school you’ll receive aquarterly newspaper, as well as energyinformation and ongoing support. And

remember, it is all FREE to your school.

After we enroll, what if we After we enroll, what if we After we enroll, what if we After we enroll, what if we After we enroll, what if weneed more materials orneed more materials orneed more materials orneed more materials orneed more materials or help? help? help? help? help?

Just give us a call once you decide howyou are going to implement the Watt Watcher program. We can answerquestions on logistics and facts and we canalso supply you with additional materials ifneeded. You can also print many of the

forms in this manual from our website or fromthe CD-ROM.



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HHHHHere are some steps you should take insetting up your program:

1.1.1.1.1. Contact Watt Watchers and get enrolled! You will receive a free kit that gives you allthe supplies you need to run a successfulpatrol. We also provide free support toyour program, so if at any point during thesetup process you need help, just give usa call at 1-888-US WATTS!

2.2.2.2.2. Get support from the administration – Setup a meeting with your administrators todiscuss the Watt Watchers program andhow it is going to benefit your school.

3.3.3.3.3. Present the program to the teachers andstaff at your school – The whole schoolparticipates in Watt Watchers and it isvery important to inform everyone fromteachers and administrators to custodiansand volunteers. Tickets are reminders tohelp people establish energy efficienthabits. Enthusiastic and supportive staffmake it more fun and more effective.

4.4.4.4.4. Choose the students to be on the Watt

Watchers Patrol – This program is successfulat any grade level and with diverse studentpopulations including at-risk, learningdisabled, special education, and giftedand talented. Being amember of the Watt WatchersPatrol could providerecognition to students

W W W W W att W att W att W att W att W atchers of Tatchers of Tatchers of Tatchers of Tatchers of TeeeeexasxasxasxasxasStudent Energy PatrolsStudent Energy PatrolsStudent Energy PatrolsStudent Energy PatrolsStudent Energy Patrols

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who rarely receive opportunities forleadership. The younger the students, themore supervision needed. The studentsmust want to participate and be able tocarry out the tasks consistently andhonorably. For more tips on choosing your

patrol see the Tips for Starting Tour Patrolpage in this manual.

5.5.5.5.5. Develop procedures for your building –where, when and how often will the Watt Watchers patrol? Consider times whenclassrooms are normally empty such aslunch, recess, before and after school. Which rooms and areas will be included? Will any areas be off limits? Do you wantto include doors, windows, ceiling fans,computers or other energy gobblers? Howwill the bathrooms, stage areas, teacher’s

workroom, offices and closets behandled? Where will the Watt Watcherpatrols pick up and store their supplies? What extra supplies will you need? Theseare all things that you will need to decidebefore setting up your team of patrols.

6.6.6.6.6. Set up your Patrol Team – Get excited!!The goals are to help reduce energy waste(save money) and to teach every one inthe school to be energy efficient (changebehavior). It would be appropriate to

discuss energy production, fossil fuels,consumption, pollution, waste and highcost while introducing the program. Invitethem to count the light bulbs in one roomand multiply it by the number of rooms inthe school, and then add other schools,cities and the whole state! The Watt Watchers ofTexas program isbased on theidea that eachperson makes a

contribution byhelping reducewaste. Energye f f i c i e n c ybenefits people,the school,c o m m u n i t y ,state andplanet.

7.7.7.7.7. Sign Contracts – Being a member of the Watt Watchers of Texas program is aprivilege and a responsibility to be takenseriously. Sponsors may want to use thecontracts provided in this manual. Thecontract underscores the importance of

being on the team and is a reminder ofduties that students must perform.

8.8.8.8.8. Secret Mission, Shhh – It is time to go onyour first mission. Watt Watchers suggestmaking this mission a secret. The secretmission will allow you to see how much theprogram is needed in your school. Onthis mission you will be able to show thestudents how to do the program withoutpassing out the tickets or thank you notes;you will just mark the patrol record. Thiswill give you an idea of which classrooms

are going to need the most help inremembering to turn the lights out! Next,the students need to be trained. Theadvisor or students in charge shouldinstruct the patrol on the procedures forpicking up supplies, hallway etiquette,and the patrol record form.

9.9.9.9.9. Get started and keep going – Intercomannouncements, such as “Watt Watchersare Watching!” arouse the interest beforepatrols begin. An assembly to introduce

the other students to the program can behelpful. Inform the media. Support fromthe principal keeps interest high.Occasional announcements of Watt Watchers patrol results; recognition ofrooms/grade levels which have goodrecords; bulletin board displays; energy

efficiency competitionsbetween areas; specialnotes or privileges forwinners; and pats on thebacks for the patrols and

staff are little things whichmake successfulprograms.

10.10.10.10.10. Have questions,need assistance or morematerials – Call 1-888-USWATTS or [email protected] would love to help

you with your program!



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TTTTTips for Starting ips for Starting ips for Starting ips for Starting ips for Starting Y Y Y Y Y our Pour Pour Pour Pour Patrolatrolatrolatrolatrol

Choosing your patrolChoosing your patrolChoosing your patrolChoosing your patrolChoosing your patrolgroups:groups:groups:groups:groups: Allow elections in the classroom to decidewho goes on patrol this week.

Choose the quiet ones.

Have each homeroom elect two studentsthat are not “serviced” by any other group-not special ed labeled, not GT, notathletically gifted.

Science club, honors group, studentcouncil, environmental club are allpotential Watt Watchers!

Form a buddy team with a special edstudent and a regular ed student.

Deal a group- write everyone’s name ona note card and “deal” patrol groupseach week by picking cards out of thepile.

Training your patrolTraining your patrolTraining your patrolTraining your patrolTraining your patrolgroups:groups:groups:groups:groups: You train the first ones and have them trainthe ones that follow.

Start with a small group and rotate turnsevery month or so until everyone gets achance to participate.

Practice hall etiquette.

Procedures:Procedures:Procedures:Procedures:Procedures:Find an exit map of your school. Separatepatrol areas based on any logicalmethod to you. Grade levels, hallways,subject areas, etc.

Patrol as you move from activity to activitywithin the school such as when you leaveyour room to go to the library, gym classor, the lunchroom.

Charge a fine after a certain number oftickets. The collected money could gotowards a prize for the Zero Heroclassroom.

The Principal’s office is fair game.

Make Watt Watcher clipboards- tape amap of the patrol area to each one.

Tape instructions for each patrol on theother side of the clipboard.

Keep all supplies in a copy paper boxdecorated with light bulbs.

Laminate tickets- write “please return tothe Watt Watcher mailbox” on the backs.

Tie pencils to the clipboards.

Allow students to use extra class time tocolor thank you notes.

Special occasions:Special occasions:Special occasions:Special occasions:Special occasions:

Have thank you days each month. Announce your thank you list on the dailyannouncements or at staff meetings.

We love (heart) to save- Februarymessage.

Have an energy watcher of the day foreach classroom- student wears a buttonand is responsible for turning off the lightsall day.

Wear Watt Watcher hard hats.

Display graphs of your energy usageand savings in prominent areas.

Do the Kick Off skit at the beginning ofthe year and change it to reflect yourprogram at the end of the year.



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The Roadmap toThe Roadmap toThe Roadmap toThe Roadmap toThe Roadmap toSuccessSuccessSuccessSuccessSuccess

Sometimes new Watt Watchers sponsorsare a little intimidated by starting a brandnew program that will involve the wholeschool. A frequent stumbling point isorganizing the actual patrols throughout theschool. Don’t worry, you are not alone.Thousands of other sponsors have startedpatrols in their schools.

One helpful tool to get you started maybe posted on the wall at the end of yourhallway. It is the fire exit plan. How convenientto have a map of all the rooms and hallwaysin your school so readily available! Manyschools are laid out in a “finger” pattern withthree or four long hallways that haveclassrooms on both sides. A typical approachis to have two students go down each hallwaychecking on each side of the hall. This willrequire only a couple of minutes, so it maybe possible for a pair of students to covertwo hallways or extra rooms and offices in

Students at Anytown Elementary School (seemap) have 42 classrooms to patrol plus sixportables. If they field four pairs of students,each pair will have about twelve classroomseach. They can complete their Watt Watching duties in about 5 minutes. The longhallway on the left can be done by one pair(even though it has 18 classrooms),

classrooms 13 through 20 and the cafeteriaand offices by a second pair, the bookroomand classrooms 21 through 30 can beassigned to the third pair, while the final paircan handle classrooms 31 through 36 plus thesix portables.

Keeping patrols quick, easy, and organizedfacilitates multiple patrols. Take a look at yourschool’s layout and plan your patrols. You canmap a plan for success for your Watt Watchers.

Planning PatrolPlanning PatrolPlanning PatrolPlanning PatrolPlanning PatrolRoutesRoutesRoutesRoutesRoutes

the area. Any area with lights representspotential savings so be sure to includeportable classrooms, gyms, cafeterias, andother rooms. Watt Watchers patrols are veryflexible. Schedule patrols to fit the conditionsat your school.

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Map of Typical School



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Secret MissionSecret MissionSecret MissionSecret MissionSecret MissionBehind PBehind PBehind PBehind PBehind Power Lines: W ower Lines: W ower Lines: W ower Lines: W ower Lines: W attattattattatt

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Watt Watchers suggests making yourfirst patrol a secret. The secretmission will allow you to see how

much the program is needed in your school.On this mission you will be able to walk yourstudents through the program without passingout the tickets or thank you notes; you will justmark the patrol record. This will give you anidea of which classrooms are going to need themost help in remembering to turn the lights out!

The Secret Mission Behind Power Lines is one

of the lessons in the Knowledge is Powercurriculum. For TEKS/ TAKS information,please go to our website,www.wattwatchers.org.

Don’t tell anyone outside your class or

patrol group what you are doing. Your operationmust be completely unknown to anyone outsideyour group. Make sure that everyone in thegroup understands that the idea is to check upon everyone’s habits as they are now – beforethey know what you know. That is, turning outthe lights in one empty classroom two hourseach day saves $50 over a 180- day schoolyear.

So your job is to go quietly through the hallwayswithout causing anyone to wonder just what youare up to. By quietly checking for wastedenergy without fanfare, you can find out justhow important it is to turn off lights andcomputer monitors when theyare not needed. T h ebest times tocheck arew h e nclassrooms

are likely to beempty: befores c h o o l ,recess, lunchperiods andafter school.

Keep score forthe numberof emptyclassrooms

you findand add

them up atthe end of one week. What would the savingsbe if you started a WW program and changed

these teacher’s habits?



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1.1.1.1.1. Take your materials and start your energypatrol. Your mission is to go to everyclassroom in the school and check to seeif energy is being saved or wasted.

2.2.2.2.2. When you come to a classroom whereenergy is being used but there is no onein the room, then energy is being wasted.Put an X on your patrol record form.

3.3.3.3.3. When you come to a classroom where

energy is being used but there are peoplein the room, then no energy is beingwasted. Put a on your check sheet.

4.4.4.4.4. When you come to a classroom whereenergy is not being used and there is noone in the room, then energy is beingsaved. Put a 0 on your patrol record form.

5.5.5.5.5. After you have patrolled for a week yourgroup should start to publicize yourprogram. Send out memos to all teachers.Make announcements and posters. Doone of the skits or chants included in this

manual

Checking for energy waste in your school is very simple. All you need is your patrol record, a pencil and a few quietstudents.

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W W W W W att W att W att W att W att W atchersatchersatchersatchersatchersSurvey InstructionsSurvey InstructionsSurvey InstructionsSurvey InstructionsSurvey Instructions



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Kicking Off the Y Kicking Off the Y Kicking Off the Y Kicking Off the Y Kicking Off the Y earearearearearChants & SkitsChants & SkitsChants & SkitsChants & SkitsChants & Skits

After your first Secret Mission, you need to get the word out that the “Watt Watchers

are Coming”, as well as the particulars of your program and why this program is

important. Your group can do this through memos, posters or announcements, but

it is much more fun and more effective to announce these through skits and songs.Your Watt Watchers patrol groups can perform at staff meetings, over the audio

announcements, or at school assemblies. They could even take them to a school

board meeting. The chants and songs included here work well with elementary

students and outgoing high school students. Any age group could do the skits.

They could sing their songs as they march into the lunchroom, or after school on

the way to the bus. Remember that a supportive staff is always the best way to have

a successful program.

Scene 1:Scene 1:Scene 1:Scene 1:Scene 1:

All the classrooms are full. The teachers are attheir chairs with their flashlights on. Narratorexplains the classrooms.

Narrator:Narrator:Narrator:Narrator:Narrator: “ Mrs. Straw is in her classroom teachingher students about housing, Mrs. Sticks is in

her classroom grading papers, and Mrs.Bricks is in her classroom calling parents.”

Mrs. Straw in classroom one:Mrs. Straw in classroom one:Mrs. Straw in classroom one:Mrs. Straw in classroom one:Mrs. Straw in classroom one: continues toteach as the Watt Watchers come by.

Watt Watchers on patrol: Watt Watchers on patrol: Watt Watchers on patrol: Watt Watchers on patrol: Watt Watchers on patrol: The Watt Watcherscome to the first room. Seeing the studentslearning they turn to the audience and say:“Teacher is here, students are here, leavethe lights on. Place a check on the form-

no waste going on”

Scene 2:Scene 2:Scene 2:Scene 2:Scene 2:Mrs. Sticks in classroom two stands up from herchair and leaving her flashlight on, places it onher chair pointing the light at the audience. Sheleaves her room.

Narrator:Narrator:Narrator:Narrator:Narrator: “Mrs. Sticks leaves her classroom to goto a meeting.”

Watt Watchers on patrol: Watt Watchers on patrol: Watt Watchers on patrol: Watt Watchers on patrol: Watt Watchers on patrol: The Watt Watchersturn back to the classrooms and go toclassroom number two. They see the lighton and look inside. Seeing no teacher,they turn to the audience and gasp:“Teacher is gone, lights are on, wastingenergy. Place an X on the form and leaveher a ticket. Teach her off, off, off”

Scene 3:Scene 3:Scene 3:Scene 3:Scene 3:Mrs. Bricks in classroom three:Mrs. Bricks in classroom three:Mrs. Bricks in classroom three:Mrs. Bricks in classroom three:Mrs. Bricks in classroom three: Stands up from

her chair, turns off her flashlight and leavesit on the chair. She leaves her classroom.

Narrator:Narrator:Narrator:Narrator:Narrator: “Mrs. Bricks leaves her classroom to gospeak with the counselors.”

Watt Watchers on patrol: Watt Watchers on patrol: Watt Watchers on patrol: Watt Watchers on patrol: Watt Watchers on patrol: The Watt Watchersturn back to the classrooms and go toclassroom number three. They see the lightis off and look inside. Seeing no teacherthey turn to the audience and cheer:“Teacher is gone, lights are off, savingenergy. Place a zero on the form andleave her a thank you. Praise her off, off,off.”

Narrator:Narrator:Narrator:Narrator:Narrator: “And this is the well known story of thethree little classrooms. Now, what happensnext…?”

The Classic Story of the Three Little ClassroomsThe Classic Story of the Three Little ClassroomsThe Classic Story of the Three Little ClassroomsThe Classic Story of the Three Little ClassroomsThe Classic Story of the Three Little Classrooms

Set and Cast:Set and Cast:Set and Cast:Set and Cast:Set and Cast:

Three “classrooms”- each with a chair, flashlight and a teacher. Classroom one has a few studentssitting on the floor around the chair. A few Watt Watchers on patrol (with lanyard or notebooks toidentify them). Narrator



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There we were just a burnin’ upthe lamps,

Singin’ Doo Watt Diddy Diddy,dumb, really dumb.

Using up voltage, and wasting upthose amps,

Singin’ Doo Watt Diddy Diddy,dumb, really dumb.

We look bad (look bad). We notsmart (not smart)

We look bad, we not smart.Everybody do their part.

Before we knew it, we weresaving energy.

Singin’ Doo Watt Diddy Diddy,smart, really smart.

Saving the planet and a lot ofmo-ney.

Singin’ Doo Watt Diddy Diddy,smart, really smart.

We look good (look good). Welook smart (look smart)

We look good. We look smart.Everybody do their part.

(bridge)

We knew we were blowin’ a fuse——

Yes we did, and so found someideas everybody can use.

Now we’re together, and we’redoing what’s right.

Singin’ Doo Watt Diddy Diddy,

Good Morning! (Cup hands around mouth) What a beautiful day.(stretch and yawn)Today we join the Watt Watchers (pat legs with hands) We’re so excited!(raise arms- like yippee) (Chorus:)

We’re going on a Watt patrol (pat legs with hands) We’ll see who left their light on (pat legs with hands) We’ll see who turned their lightsoff (pat legs with hands) We must be very quiet (shhh- with finger to lips) We have to go down this longhall(put hand above eyes and look a long way)There are classes going on (shhh- look right and left)

Tip, toe, tip, toe- peek in the door (make tip toe gesture and peek around a corner)The lights are on, nobody’s here (hands on hips and shakehead) We’ll leave them a ticket! (pretend to hang ticket on door while shaking head)Uh Oh- here comes the teacher (hands up to face- like in Home

Alone) And he says (say very quietly and ominously)“Thanks for the reminder Watt Watchers” (say loud and cheerfully)Chorus We have to go to the gym now (pat legs)

We march across theplayground(use arms like you are marching)Over the jungle gym (climbing motions)Down the slide (Roller coaster arms – abovehead)The gym is dark- nobody’s here (Feel around in the dark- nod head in approval) We’ll leave them a thank younote (pretend to leave note)Uh Oh- here comes the coach

(Home Alone face) And he says (quiet and ominous)“Thanks Watt Watchers” (loud and cheerful)ChorusNow we’re going to the office (Pat legs)Back across the playground

(marching)Over the jungle gym (climbing)Down the slide (roller coaster arms)Back down the long hall (hand to forehead- searching)Right up to the big door (draw the door in the air)

Tip, toe, tip, toe, - peek in thedoor (tip toe and peek around corner)The lights are on and nobody’shere (hands on hips, shake head) We will leave the principal aticket (hang on door)Uh oh- the principal is in there (Home Alone face) Working at her computer (make typing motions) And she says (quiet and ominous)

“You’re wonderful Watt Watchers. You are saving theschool a lot of money andhelping us learn to be moreenergy eff icient. You arehelping to save the planet!” (principal says loud and cheerful) Y Y Y Y Y eah !!eah !!eah !!eah !!eah !!

Going on a W Going on a W Going on a W Going on a W Going on a W att Patt Patt Patt Patt Patrolatrolatrolatrolatrol

done, get it done.

Conservation makes us look – sobright.

Singin’ Doo Watt Diddy Diddy,done, get it done. We look good (look good). Welook smart (look smart)

We look good. We look smart.Everybody do their part.

Doo Watt Diddy Diddy done, getit done. (We’re singin’)

Doo Watt Diddy Diddy done, getit done. (Turn out the lights!)

Doo Watt Diddy Diddy done, getit done.

DooDooDooDooDoo----- W W W W W att-Diddy att-Diddy att-Diddy att-Diddy att-Diddy -Diddy -Diddy -Diddy -Diddy -Diddy ----- (Sung to the tune “Doo-Wah-Diddy-Diddy,” but you probably knew that.)

T his is done as a chant- the children repeat after –line by line



1919191919

“Saying no is like turning your

back on the future. Every

school has oneteacher that

would love to be a Watt Watcher.

Is it you?”

TTTTTeachers love Watt Watchers. There areover 3,700 Watt Watchers enrolled state-

wide in Texas. It is a verypopular program. There aremany reasons for thisenthusiasm. In case you areamong the teachers whohaven’t heard about theprogram or you are still sitting

on the fence trying todecide whether to becomea sponsor at your school –here is a little information tohelp you take the plunge. We think every school shouldbe a Watt Watchers school.Read these reasons sponsorslike the program and see ifyou agree.

First things first. Watt Watchers saves your

school money by preventing energy wasteand raising awareness about energyefficiency. Many Watt Watchers sponsorsenjoy knowing they are saving energy andmoney while preventing pollution – it’s agood feeling. Even more satisfying iscultivating an ethic of energy conservationin students who will apply it throughout theirlives.

But a close second is FUN. Watt Watcherscan be loads of fun. Tapping into the natural

enthusiasm of your students with a programthat includes a role reversal (studentsreminding adults to save energy) is fun.Students like going on patrol. Students likegiving out tickets (and thank-you notes).Happy students make happy teachers.

Another reason is suitability. Watt Watchersfits into what you are doing. The Watt

Watchers program is a great addition to yourenergy unit. Going out into the school and

actually preventing energywaste really makes theconnection for manystudents. There are alsomany benefits for Sponsors/Teachers includingKnowledge is Power (lessonplans) and Traveling Energy

Exploration Stations (loanerkits). More programs aresupported to get yourstudents involved “beyond Watt Watchers” such as —Sleep Is Good and JuniorSolar Sprint.

Yet another reason is – it’seasy. It is also free – theState Energy Conservation

Office sponsors it to help schools save energy.It is also very adaptable – a wide variety ofgroups are doing Watt Watchers including:3rd graders and high school seniors, at-risk and gifted & talented students, and justabout any other group you can name. Theprogram is easy to start due to a completefree kit with all materials you need. Watt Watchers can also be expanded upon tosave even more energy at your school.

Here is another – support. Watt Watcherssupports you with a quarterly newspaper, amonthly E-mail Update, Toll Free phone andfax, a Website, and a CD-ROM with all theprogram materials on it.

There are many more reasons Watt Watchers love the program but there is noreason NOT to do it. Saying no is like turningyour back on the future. Every school hasone teacher that would love to be a Watt Watcher. Is it you?

TTTTTeachereachereachereachereachersssss W W W W W aaaaa t t t t t t t t t t W W W W W atchersatchersatchersatchersatchers



2020202020

Preserving Preserving Preserving Preserving Preserving Y Y Y Y Y our Kitour Kitour Kitour Kitour Kit

A A A A A Watt Watchers kit contains about $25worth of materials not includingpostage. The notebooks, lanyards,

name tags, pencils, sample tickets, forms,and manual are all essential parts of asuccessful program. The idea behindproviding each school with a complete kit isto make it easy to get started. A new Watt Watchers sponsor can open up the kit andstart the program in a matter of minutes.

Well, that works for this year but, whatabout next year and the year after that? Can Watt Watchers send a new kit every year? Well, I suppose we could but it would defeatour overall mission which is to have Watt Watchers active on every school campus inTexas. On the other hand, Watt Watchers iscommitted to supporting our current schoolsbecause we want you to stay active andeven expand your energy saving activities.So the simple answer is – we will supply asmany kits to everyone needing materials aswe possibly can under our budget. Obviouslyour ability to provide kits is limited but our goalis to keep as many current and future schoolsactive in Watt Watchers as possible. So,please tell us what you need and we will doour best to supply you.

On the practical side, let’s discuss theoptions you have as a sponsor. Some of thematerials in the kit are consumable and willhave to be replaced by your school as theyare used. Examples of these are tickets andforms. Other materials are meant to bepermanent parts of your kit. Examples of theseare notebooks, lanyards, and name badgeholders. Still other items in your kit fall betweenthese two extremes. Examples of these arepencils and name tags.

Watt Watchers can not supply yourprogram with the consumable supplies, likeforms, that are needed to keep the programactive. We do provide you with a set oforiginals in the Watt Watchers manual toallow you to make copies as necessary. Theyare also available on our website and CD-ROM.

The permanent parts of your kit are alsothe most expensive parts and these are the

items important to preserve. We purchaselanyards and notebooks by the thousandssince they are imprinted and are cheaperin quantity. If your notebooks/lanyards getdamaged or misplaced please let us knowso that we can replace your kit.

We can easily supply your program withnew pencils and blank color nametagseach fall. We encourage you to give thepencils and paper nametags toparticipating students along with a certificate

of appreciation at the end of the year.Please contact Watt Watchers with yoursupply request and we will get them out toyou as soon as possible.

If you move to a new school we hope thatyou will leave your Watt Watchers kit behindwith a new sponsor you recruit to fill your shoesand enroll your new school too. We will beglad to send you a new kit. During thetransition please help us to keep your recordsstraight. We want to accurately account

for each active Watt Watchers school. Goodrecords will allow us to communicate withsponsors so that everyone is aware of themost up to date Watt Watchers information.



2121212121

IIIIIf you are a Watt Watchers sponsor and areplanning a move to a new school, pleaselet us know where you are moving.

Updating your information will ensure thatupcoming Watt Watchers materials will followyou. We hope you will recruit a new teacherto replace you at your old school, thencontact Watt Watchers so we can welcomeour new sponsor and make sure he or shehas all the materials needed to continue thesuccessful Watt Watchers program that you

started. We will be glad to send you a newkit at your new school.

Are Y Are Y Are Y Are Y Are Y ou Changing ou Changing ou Changing ou Changing ou Changing Schools?Schools?Schools?Schools?Schools?

So please remember to contact us withthe updates and contact changes… goodrecords will not only allow us tocommunicate with sponsors better, it will helpkeep you on the list for the five-year Watt Watchers lapel pin. Good records also helpto keep funding in place for Watt Watchersso we can continue to provide kits, quarterlynewspapers, toll free phone support and the

website.



2222222222

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Watt Watchers of Texas will be coming soon to a classroom near you! Studentpatrol groups will be auditing the school for energy waste in the form of building lights. If students find lights on in empty rooms they will be leaving “tickets.”

They will leave thank you notes where their recorded data shows consistent energy efficiency (you have turned off your lights when you leave your classroom). Thefocus of the program is on saving energy costs in the school and increasing studentawareness of energy issues. In a typical Texas school, lighting alone can accountfor 1/3 of the entire utility bill! Watt Watchers of Texas has assisted hundreds of schools in reducing this cost. Watt Watcher energy patrols have saved participating schools around the nation from hundreds to thousands of dollars in energy costseach year.

The Watt Watchers program is a proven method of teaching energy efficient habits while reducing school electric bills. Our energy future depends on decisionsstudents will make about energy use; Watt Watchers gives them the opportunity to

make a difference now by “doing something” for their school. These same studentsoften show increased self-esteem, leadership and responsibility back in theirclassrooms.

The students will be patrolling during first lunch and after recess. They will notenter your classroom or disturb classes already in session. The official Watt Watchersfor that day will be wearing name badges and lanyards to identify them as such.They will leave their tickets on your door as a reminder to you to turn off yourlights when you leave your room. Please return these to my box to be reused.Each month our energy use will be graphed outside room 104. Hopefully, this willshow that our energy use is going down. The Watt Watcher students will give anend of the year presentation to the School Board and awards to the classrooms that

showed consistent energy efficiency. There will also be an award for the classroom that showed the most improvement.

Thank you for your cooperation,

Amy Neblett

Watt Watchers Sponsor

Bayou Elementary

ExplanationExplanationExplanationExplanationExplanationTTTTTeachers Feachers Feachers Feachers Feachers Faculty aculty aculty aculty aculty

to to to to to your your your your your andandandandand

The following letter is an example of one that can be placed in mailboxes of your

staff, posted in a workroom or read at a faculty meeting. Please modify to fit your

school’s procedures. The purpose is to inform all members of your school about

the Watt Watchers of Texas program and the procedures for your school. Remember

that to have a successful program, you need the support of your faculty and

administration.



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SampleSampleSampleSampleSample Announcements Announcements Announcements Announcements Announcements

Your Watt Watchers of Texas patrol groups are doing a great service to the school.

Promote these facts to your whole school through announcements. Publicly thankteachers who have shown consistent energy efficiency. Announce any extra projects

you may be adding to your watch, like those found in the Extend and Expand sections

of this manual. You could even give a general location of the school that needs

some extra help remembering to turn off their lights.

Sample 3:Sample 3:Sample 3:Sample 3:Sample 3:

The Watt Watchers of Texas patrol groupswill be adding outside doors to our patrolsthis week. We will be checking to makesure all doors to the outside are closed sowe don’t air condition the playground.Please make sure you close the doorbehind you when you enter the buildingor go to the portables. We will be placingsigns on the doors as a reminder to youas well.


The Watt Watchers of Texas patrol groupshave noticed that certain areas of thebuilding are having trouble rememberingto turn their lights off when they leave the

classroom. Could all students help thesecond floor of the North wing remember?Remember that there will be an award atthe end of the year for the classroom thatmakes the most improvement.

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Did you know that our school electricitybill is thousands of dollars each month? After we started the Watt Watcherspatrols, our bill went down by 10%each month (get your actual costs fromyour energy manager). Over a year,that could pay for all new playgroundequipment. Would you like to paymore electric bills or have moreswings? Please remember to turn offthe lights in the classroom when youleave.


The Watt Watchers of Texas patrolgroups have been patrolling our

school for two months. We would liketo thank Mrs. Wood in room 227 andMr. Thomas in room 112 for alwaysturning their lights off when they leavethe classroom. Keep up the goodwork.



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Sample Press ReleaseSample Press ReleaseSample Press ReleaseSample Press ReleaseSample Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: LOCAL CONTACT:

Kirstin Wilsey Amy Neblett

Program Coordinator

1-888-USWATTS (toll free)

[email protected]

The Bayou Vista Independent School District is implementing a new energy education program at Bayou Elementary School.They introduced the Watt Watchers of Texas program on March17, 2005. This program enables schools to save energy dollars

while students learn energy saving habits.

Students chosen to be a part of Watt Watchers of Texas patrolassigned areas of the school, checking for lights left on in

unused areas. The Watt Watchers leave “tickets” for energy wasters and may leave thank you notes where their recordeddata shows consistent energy efficiency.

The students actively promote energy efficiency, learn new habits and teach others about energy conservation.

In a typical Texas school, lighting accounts for 1/3 of energy

use. Watt Watchers of Texas has assisted many schools acrossTexas in reducing electric bills.

This program is funded by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, State Energy Conservation Office and the U.S.Department of Energy.

123-555-1234

[email protected]



2525252525

Going Going Going Going Going FurtherFurtherFurtherFurtherFurther



2626262626

Extend Y Extend Y Extend Y Extend Y Extend Y our W our W our W our W our W attattattattatt W W W W W atchers Patchers Patchers Patchers Patchers Programrogramrogramrogramrogram N ow that you have the basic Watt Watchers program down, you may want to addextra duties. These duties can be very simple, but can make a significant impact on

your school’s energy usage.

Closing DoorsClosing DoorsClosing DoorsClosing DoorsClosing Doors- when the doors to the building are open, all the air conditioning orheat is leaving. Have students close outside doors as they patrol. Even better is tomake signs for those outside doors saying, “Students monitoring energy use in building.Please close door.” This serves as a reminder and advertising for your project.



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Computer Monitors-Computer Monitors-Computer Monitors-Computer Monitors-Computer Monitors-Monitors use 60-90 watts ofpower when they are on-whether they are being usedor not. When the monitor is insleep mode (see MonitorPower Audit project in thismanual) the monitor only uses2-10 watts of power. Students

could turn off monitors ofcomputers that are not in use.They could go further andplace reminder signs on allmonitors.

Restrooms-Restrooms-Restrooms-Restrooms-Restrooms- Students canmake a quick tour of therestrooms and report anyproblems such as drippingfaucets or running toilets tothe custodians.



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Expand Y Expand Y Expand Y Expand Y Expand Y our W our W our W our W our W attattattattatt W W W W W atchers Patchers Patchers Patchers Patchers Programrogramrogramrogramrogram

Watt watchers of Texas has many programs to offer you. A brief summary of eachis listed below. For more information on these projects, see the that’s not all

y’all section of this manual or our website at www.wattwatchers.org.

Knowledge is PowerKnowledge is PowerKnowledge is PowerKnowledge is PowerKnowledge is PowerCurriculum SupplementCurriculum SupplementCurriculum SupplementCurriculum SupplementCurriculum Supplement

The Knowledge is Power CurriculumSupplement is a great curriculumenhancement put together by Watt Watchers of Texas. These lessons are

designed to help add energy efficiencyconcepts to your energy unit. Wesometimes forget that if we all reduce ourenergy waste, we would reduce ouroverall power consumption, and ourreward will be lower energy costs and acleaner environment. Knowledge isPower is a K-12 set of lesson plans. Thissupplement incorporates reading, math,science, language arts and writing intomost of the lessons, so don’t pass up thechance to get plugged in if you

teach something otherthan science!

Traveling Energy Traveling Energy Traveling Energy Traveling Energy Traveling Energy Exploration StationsExploration StationsExploration StationsExploration StationsExploration Stations

Traveling Energy Exploration Stations(similar to a discovery box) are availablefor teachers to check out and use in theirclassrooms for FREE! Use it in your

classroom for two weeks, call us whenyou are finished, and we will arrange tohave it picked back up at our cost. Thesestations include a wide variety ofmaterials that can be used by theteacher or as a center for the students. All stations are equipped with anEducator’s Guide to explain all thecomponents and how to use them in yourclassroom and correlated to the TEKS. Wecurrently have electricity, solar cooking,

Junior Solar Sprint, energy

efficiency, and renewableenergy stations available.

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Lighting AuditLighting AuditLighting AuditLighting AuditLighting AuditThis project will allow you to determine thesavings that a school would realize if theyswitched from their old lighting system to anew, more efficient lighting system. It couldalso encourage them to start Watt Watchers of Texas at other schools.

V V V V V ending Machine A ending Machine A ending Machine A ending Machine A ending Machine A udit udit udit udit udit A vending machine is basically arefrigerator that takes your money. Inexchange for your money, it’s supposedto provide cold drinks. The big differenceis that when a refrigerator door is closed,the light is supposed to go off. In this casethough, the light stays on 24 hours a dayand can cost over $140 per year. This ismoney your school is paying (they pay theelectric bill) to advertise for the vending

machine. Talk to your principals aboutturning off the light in the machines.

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Real PReal PReal PReal PReal Projects in the Real W rojects in the Real W rojects in the Real W rojects in the Real W rojects in the Real W orld with Real Resultsorld with Real Resultsorld with Real Resultsorld with Real Resultsorld with Real ResultsHandbookHandbookHandbookHandbookHandbook

A listing of projects big and small geared at high school groups. A few of the projects thatcould help your Watt Watchers basic program are listed below.



3030303030

Exit Sign AuditExit Sign AuditExit Sign AuditExit Sign AuditExit Sign AuditThere are an estimated 100 million exitsigns in the United States consumingbetween 30 and 35 BILLION kWh ofenergy each year. Most useincandescent bulbs, which use largeamounts of energy and require moremaintenance. The typical exit sign withincandescent bulbs uses 2 - 20 wattbulbs. The signs are lit 24 hours a dayand 365 days a year.Each sign can costover $76 per year torun and maintain.There are otheroptions for thesesigns that could be

suggested to youradministration.

Energy EncounterEnergy EncounterEnergy EncounterEnergy EncounterEnergy Encounter An Energy Encounter is a one-dayevent to provide lots of information,ideas and excitement about energy

projects for students, teachers, andadministrators. Groups from severalschools in a district or region cometogether for fun, learning andmotivation. Check the Real ProjectsHandbook or call the Watt Watchersoffice (1-888-USWATTS) for moreinformation.



31313131313131313131

Sleep is GoodSleep is GoodSleep is GoodSleep is GoodSleep is GoodBy implementing a monitor powermanagement program on yourcomputer you can save $20 per yearand lots of energy. Screen savers donot save energy; they only save your

screen. This program can bedownloaded from the website(www.wattwatchers.org) and placedon the school’s computers district wideor on each individual computer.

District Energy CouncilDistrict Energy CouncilDistrict Energy CouncilDistrict Energy CouncilDistrict Energy CouncilDistrict Energy Council was created toorganize students to assist the districtenergy manager. Capable studentsfrom each high school in a district forma committee or council led by the

energy manager. The council identifiesand undertakes projects that help thedistrict realize its goals of energyefficiency.

Junior Solar SprintJunior Solar SprintJunior Solar SprintJunior Solar SprintJunior Solar SprintThe Junior Solar Sprint program invitesmiddle school students to design,build and race solar cars. The smallmodel cars are powered entirely bysolar energy, steered by wires andare a team effort that is guided byteachers. Students are encouragedto use math and science principlestogether with their creativity in a fun,challenging program that stimulatesenthusiasm for science at a criticalstage in their education.



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Follow these 5 simple steps to get yourfeeder schools started today:

1.1.1.1.1. Contact a teacher – did you have afavorite teacher in the elementary school

and middle school that you went to beforecoming to your high school? Is that teacherstill teaching at that school? Or is there ascience club or other organization in themiddle or elementary school that isinterested in doing energy projects?Contact that teacher; inform him or herabout the Watt Watchers of Texas program.

2.2.2.2.2. Contact Watt Watchersfor a kit – the kitsare free and every

school thatparticipates in Watt Watchers needs tohave a completekit. Call or email usand we will ship akit for each schoolwhere you areimplementing aprogram.

3.3.3.3.3. Set up a time to meet the new Watt Watchers –coordinate a time with the new

Watt Watchers of Texas sponsor when youcan go to the feeder school and teachthe students about the new program. Helpthem come up with ways to teach theother students, teachers andadministrators about this new program attheir school. One great idea is to do a skitabout the program during an assembly -this allows everyone to learn about theprogram, have fun and be excited aboutthe energy saving program that is starting

at the school.4.4.4.4.4. Go on patrol - be there to take the

younger students on their f irst Watt Watchers patrol. Help them design theirroute and make sure they are marking theircharts and giving out tickets and thank younotes. Remind the students to keep thecharts in a file so that they can award theZero Hero Award at the end of the schoolyear to the teacher that wasted the leastamount of energy!

5.5.5.5.5. Stay in touch – it is very important thatyou contact the feeder school to makesure that their program is running smoothlyand answer any questions they mighthave. Watt Watchers would also like toknow how you and your mentoring schoolsare doing so please send us an updateon your program!

Mentor a FMentor a FMentor a FMentor a FMentor a FeedereedereedereedereederSchoolSchoolSchoolSchoolSchool

W att Watchers of Texas wants your help in getting all the schools in your district

watching watts! The best way for everyone to eliminate energy waste in their school district is to make sure that the schools that feed into your school are busy watching

watts. It is simple, free and fun for high school students to go to the middle schools

and elementary schools in your district and share the message about Watt Watchers,

take the students on their first patrol and then check up on them from time to time to

make sure they are giving out tickets to those energy wasters and thanking the Zero

Heroes in their schools.

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FFFFFormsormsormsormsorms



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W W W W W att W att W att W att W att W atchersatchersatchersatchersatchers Agreement Agreement Agreement Agreement Agreement

As a Watt Watchers Team Member I Will:

1. Be on time for Watt Watchers Patrol

2. Gather badge, notebook, patrol records, pencil and tickets.

3. Pick up Thank You notes if it is a “Thank You” day.

4. Patrol the assigned areas quickly and quietly, and record my findingson a patrol record sheet.

5. Leave tickets in rooms where lights are on and nobody is home.

6. Return supplies to the proper place after the patrols are completed.

7. Report problems to my advisor, if necessary.

I, , understand the Watt Watchers

Agreement. I can take responsibility for being a Watt Watcher and will

follow all Watt Watcher procedures correctly. I pledge that I will do

what I can to conserve natural resources and protect my environment.

Watt Watcher Signature Date

Advisor Signature Date

Watt Watchers of TexasThe Energy Center P.O. Box 68660

El Paso, Texas 79968Phone toll free: 1-888 US WATTS

Fax: 915/747-5317e-mail: [email protected]



3535353535

Checksheet GuideChecksheet GuideChecksheet GuideChecksheet GuideChecksheet GuideThe Patrol Record- ExplainedThe Patrol Record- ExplainedThe Patrol Record- ExplainedThe Patrol Record- ExplainedThe Patrol Record- Explained

MONTH:MONTH:MONTH:MONTH:MONTH: Use one patrol record for eachmonth (as well as one for each area). Ifyou have 4 areas of the school, you willhave four patrol record forms each month.It helps younger students to write the dateabove the day of the week.

NAME:NAME:NAME:NAME:NAME: Thenames of thestudents assignedto the patrolrecord.

ROOM:ROOM:ROOM:ROOM:ROOM: The roomnumbers or namesthe students areassigned to.Highlighting theassigned area on amap then taping itto a clipboard thestudents take withthem is helpful.

TIME:TIME:TIME:TIME:TIME: There aresix time codes listedat the bottom of thepatrol record. Youmay want to comeup with time codesof your own.

RECORD KEY RECORD KEY RECORD KEY RECORD KEY RECORD KEY :::::The key to the 3,OOOOO, 7 system islisted at the bottomof the patrolrecord for quick reference.

MONTHLMONTHLMONTHLMONTHLMONTHL Y Y Y Y Y TOTTOTTOTTOTTOT ALS: ALS: ALS: ALS: ALS: Add the3, O, 7 across themonth for eachroom. This

information shouldbe used for thank you notedistribution andcalculating theZero Hero.

DDDDD AIL AIL AIL AIL AIL Y TOT Y TOT Y TOT Y TOT Y TOT ALS: ALS: ALS: ALS: ALS: Add the 3, O, 7

down each

column. This dailyinformation givesyou an idea of

times of day whenenergy

conservation isgood and timesthat need moreconcentration.



3636363636

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W W W W W att W att W att W att W att W atchers Patchers Patchers Patchers Patchers Patrol Recordatrol Recordatrol Recordatrol Recordatrol Record

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0

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Time Codes:Time Codes:Time Codes:Time Codes:Time Codes:BSBSBSBSBS=Before School

AR AR AR AR AR =AM Recess1L1L1L1L1L =1st Lunch

mooR emiT M T W T F M T W T F M T W T F M T W T F M T W T F



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Sample Tickets

A note from Watt Watchers:

Next time!

LOOK!!For Wasted EnergyLights out when you’re out!

It’s

TO SAVE ENERGY!!!

A Note from Watt Watchers

A Watt WatchersReminder

O h N o !

Y o u F o

r g o t ! !

If you would just turnout the lights, you would put

a smile on my face

The lights are on...Watt Watchers say!

I t ’ s t i m

e t o

t u r n t h e m o f f

! ! !

A Watt Watcher

Next timeturn out the lights!!!

Watt Watchers say:

Always turn out the lightswhen you leave the room!



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SAVINGENERGY IS...

Thanks-Watt Watchers

WATT WATCHER

TURNING OUT THE LIGHTS

SAVES ENERGY THANKS!

T H A N

K S ! !H O O R A Y ! !

WATT WATCHERS APPLAUDYOU FOR SAVING ENERGY

THIS ROOM IS FIRST RATE

THANKSFOR

SAVING

WATT WATCHERS

A+ G R A

D E F O R

W A T T W A

T C H I N G

G R A D E

F O R W A T T

W A T C H

I N G

G R A D E

F O R W A T T

W A T C H

I N G

G R A D E

F O R W A T T

W A T C H

I N G

G R A D E

F O R W A T T

W A T C H

I N G

Sample Thank You Notes

FORFORFORFORFOR

REMEMBERING TO TURNREMEMBERING TO TURNREMEMBERING TO TURNREMEMBERING TO TURNREMEMBERING TO TURN

OFF YOUR LIGHTS!!OFF YOUR LIGHTS!!OFF YOUR LIGHTS!!OFF YOUR LIGHTS!!OFF YOUR LIGHTS!!

T H A N K

T H A N K

T H A N K

T H A N K

T H A N K

Y O U ! !

Y O U ! !

Y O U ! !

Y O U ! !

Y O U ! !



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Thank You for

Saving

Energyand Making Our

World a Brighter

Place

Door Hanger Sample (3 up)



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Blank Door Hanger Template (2 up)



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Blank ticket/Thank You (6 up)



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WW Name Tags



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Dear Faculty and Staff,

Watt Watchers of Texas will be coming soon to a classroom near you! Studentpatrol groups will be auditing the school for energy waste in lighting and otherareas. If students find lights on in empty rooms they will be leaving “tickets.”They will leave thank you notes where their recorded data shows consistentenergy efficiency (you have turned off your lights when you leave your classroom).The focus of the program is on saving energy costs in the school and increasing student awareness of energy issues. In a typical Texas school, lighting alone canaccount for 1/3 of the entire utility bill! Watt Watchers of Texas has assisted

hundreds of schools in reducing this cost. Watt Watchers energy patrols havesaved participating schools around the nation from hundreds to thousands of dollars in energy costs each year.

The Watt Watchers program is a proven method of teaching energy efficient habits while reducing school electric bills. Our energy future depends on decisionsstudents will make about energy use; Watt Watchers gives them the opportunity

to make a difference now by “doing something” for their school. These samestudents often show increased self-esteem, leadership and responsibility back in

their classrooms.

The students will be patrolling _____________________________________. They will not enter your classroom, or disturb classes already in session. The official Watt Watchers for that day will be wearing name badges and lanyards to identify them as such. They will leave their tickets on your door as a reminder to you to

turn off your lights when you leave your room. Please return these________________________ to be reused. Each month our energy use will be graphed___________________________. Hopefully, this will show that our energy use isgoing down. The Watt Watchers students will give an end of the year presentation

to the School Board and awards to the classrooms that showed consistent energy efficiency. There will also be an award for the classroom that showed the mostimprovement.

Thank you for your cooperation,

__________________________

Watt Watchers Sponsor

___________________________



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SponsorSponsorSponsorSponsorSponsorInsightInsightInsightInsightInsight



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Educate Y Educate Y Educate Y Educate Y Educate Y our Tour Tour Tour Tour Teacherseacherseacherseacherseachers

1.1.1.1.1. Consider starting your program in stealthmode. See the activity page in this

manual for more information onhow to go undercover withyour patrols.

2.2.2.2.2. Have the studentspresent theprogram to theteachers duringa conferencep e r i o d .Students lovet e a c h i n gt e a c h e r s

about thingsthey areinvolved in—give yourstudents theopportunity to jump start your newteachers. Let themknow that Zero Hero Awards will be given at theend of the year – teachers love a goodcompetition!

3.3.3.3.3. Give them each a “$50” bill –go to the Watt Watchers of Texaswebsite, wattwatchers.org, anddownload the $50 bill thatexplains if you turn yourclassroom lights out for 2 hours aday for 1 school year you willsave your district $50. Think about the impact if every classroom in

TTTTTeachers:eachers:eachers:eachers:eachers:RechargeRechargeRechargeRechargeRecharge Y Y Y Y Y ourourourourour PPPPPatrol!atrol!atrol!atrol!atrol!Back to School means the meters are running at your school. You can slow them

down by turning off lights and other energy wasting items. It’s time to get your

energy patrols back out into the school saving energy and money for another

year. If you are wondering how to get your students energized for a new year of

patrols or are worried about getting your fellow teachers back into the routine

of turning the lights out when they leave the room, we have some keys to help your

Watt Watchers Patrols have a successful year by getting off to the right start.

your school participated in that smalleffort with huge results!

4.4.4.4.4. Provide your teachers with the“Knowledge is Power”Curriculum Supplement.

5.5.5.5.5. Share informationabout checking out

the Traveling EnergyE x p l o r a t i o nStations. Watt Watchers ofTexas now has 5different stations

– Electricity, SolarCooking, EnergyE f f i c i e n c yR e n e w a b l e

Energy, and JuniorSolar Sprint. They have

all been updated thissummer, so if you

checked them out lastyear you need to see the great

things we added to them this summer.



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turn out unused lights

Save energy

save

money prevent pollution

*

*

**

Educate Y Educate Y Educate Y Educate Y Educate Y our Studentsour Studentsour Studentsour Studentsour Students

1.1.1.1.1. Train your new students. You most likelyhave a new group of students to go onpatrol this year, so you need to teachthem about the program and how

important it is to reduce the energy wastein your school. Take them on their firstpatrol so that you can show them theropes.

2.2.2.2.2. Have the students that will be patrollingdo a presentation for the student bodyat your school during lunch. It isimportant for everyone in the school toknow that your school is activelyreducing energy waste and air pollution.

3.3.3.3.3. Make announcements over the PA

system the first few weeks of yourpatrolling to remind staff to turn offunused electrical items. You might alsoconsider announcing the cost ofelectricity at your school each monthand the savings that you have accrued.

4.4.4.4.4. Display posters in your halls aboutenergy efficiency. Watt Watchersincludes 2posters in every

issue of the WattsNewsNewspaper.Take theposters outandlaminatethem –they makegreatdecorations —and teach

students andteachersabout themanyprograms wehave tooffer.

5.5.5.5.5. Encourage the students to take their newenergy savings attitude home and sharethe information with their parents. Energyefficiency is the key to our energy future.

It starts with everyone making a change. Watt Watchers of Texas sponsors, we wantyou to have all the materials you need to besuccessful. If your kit is worn or you needmore tickets or if you don’t have some of theinformation referred to in this article, pleasecontact Watt Watchers of Texas toll free at1-888-USWATTS or by email [email protected] and new supplies willbe shipped to you.

Remember, we are here to support yourefforts as a Watt Watchers Sponsor. Contactus if we can assist you in recharging yourpatrols.



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WW Reflections WW Reflections WW Reflections WW Reflections WW Reflections

W W W W W hen I first began sponsoring the Watt Watcher/Watteam patrols in the early90’s I had a twofold purpose. Of

course I wanted to teach conservation ofresources to the students, but I also decidedto target a relatively untouched population.Many students were not even aware that theycould “save electricity” both in their homesand at school. It was not something thatfamilies were automatically teaching theirchildren. During the years many students havereported behavioral changes in themselvesand their families—in school and at home!

I intentionally targeted a certain populationfrom which to build the Watt Watcher Patrol. With the approval of the principal, I sent a letterto the homeroom teachers explaining thepurpose of the Watt Watcher Patrol. I askedthem to nominate two students (preferably aboy and a girl). I asked them to think of alltheir students—and then choose their twonominees from the “silent majority”. I specified

that the nominees should not be at either endof any spectrum (academic, social,behavioral, etc). I was targeting those studentswho faithfully attended school, but did notstand out in any way.

My Watt Watcher patrols mainly werecomposed of students who were not receivingany special help academically, were not giftedand talented, were not elected to StudentCouncil, nor Safety Patrol. For most of themthis was their first opportunity to be chosen for

anything! Many, many times teachers reportedthat those students showed improvement in theclass—most noticeably in their attitude and levelof responsibility.

For a number of reasons I chose to pairstudents to patrol together. I paired first andthird graders, second and fourth graders. Thefifth graders were “captains” and not only

would patrol but also oversee the pairedpatrols.

I divided the school campus into patrolareas. All three campuses at which Isponsored the Watt Watcher Patrols containeda main building, attached outer buildings,and/or portables. The portables alwaysprovided the greatest challenge! The studentswere taught they were NEVER to disturb a class,so that classrooms in the portables whose

blinds were closed could not be assigned the“X”, “0” or “check”. I created a “new symbol”so that the student would be able to completehis/her patrol without interrupting the learningin that room and yet feel that they werecompleting their job. In addition I rotated thepatrols monthly so that different studentspatrolled the “portables area.”

There was mixed reaction to the “notes” wewould periodically tape outside the rooms.Some teachers were pleased, good-natured,

while others took the notes negatively. After awhile, we stopped giving both the “Thanks a Watt” and “Oops!” notes entirely. The cessationof the notes also elicited both positive andnegative reactions!

Retrospectively, I do feel that the patrolswere successful for many reasons. I amparticularly pleased that I chose to structurethem as I did. A number of those studentsbecame more involved in their middle andhigh schools. The teachers’ awareness of

saving electricity was heightened.The support I received from the various

“governing bodies” was wonderful! Alwayspositive and supportive, they provided us withthe materials we needed. When funding waswithdrawn they continued to support usemotionally. I very much enjoyed sponsoring

those early Watt Watcher/Watteam patrols.

Article Submitted by: Eileen Berkowitz, Watt Watchersof Texas Sponsor for Colonial Hills Elementary School inNorth East Independent School District, San Antonio, Texas



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QuotesQuotesQuotesQuotesQuotes

TTTTTeachers and students love the Watt Watchers of Texas program. Thefollowing are quotes from current Watt

Watcher schools on how the program fits intheir community.

”Our Watt Watcher Patrol of eight fifthgrade students used our language artsblock to write explanations of theprogram for all the classes in ourbuilding. Each student has a grade

level to patrol.Sandi Rockne, teacher, Southridge Elementary

School, Lewisville, Texas

“I think the savings of last year willprobably double this year, if for no otherreason than we will have a full yearparticipation from all our participantschools…I don’t know what we wouldhave done without the Watt Watcher

program. Everything is working outreally great. With our utilities accountingprogram, we are able to track realsavings back to Watt Watcher activities.Everyone gets credit for these savings”

David Furr, Salem Keizer Public Schools inSalem, Oregon

Saved $158,432 from July 2002 to June

2003

“What you are doing here is verysignificant. You are really protecting thefuture for future generations. We justneed to let you be the role model andthe pace setter for the rest of the state.”

Carole Keeton Strayhorn,former State Comptroller,

about Hutchinson JHS in Central Lubbock ISD

“The life skills students of Lincoln JuniorHigh love their job as Watt Watchers andalways want to do it. We as StudentCouncil members are so glad that thelife skills class helps us out with some ofour projects. The student council is alsohappy that they love their job and aredoing such a great job at it.”

Ashley W., student, Lincoln Junior High,

Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD

“Teachers do not like getting “tickets”and keep their lights off.”

Mary Lea Pfenninger, teacher, Goliad

Elementary School

“Concentrate your education on theteachers who at first are unwilling toparticipate.”

Dwight Mutschler, Austwell- Tivoli

“Get a good group of students andallow them time every day to do their job”

Margaret Grice, Ault Elementary

“Don’t over control- let the students takethe lead”

Robert Babb, JT Hutchinson JHS



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NotesNotesNotesNotesNotes



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CelebrateCelebrateCelebrateCelebrateCelebrate Y Y Y Y Y our Successour Successour Successour Successour Success



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MMMMMay arrives in schools with a rush oftests and locker clean-outs, but weneed to remember to praise those

teachers who have faithfully been conservingenergy and the ones that learned somethingalong the way.

Depending on your school, you may wantto have a school wide assembly, an afterschool event or just an award ceremony inyour classroom. If you are hosting a schoolwide affair, your Watt Watchers may want to

re-write the skit they performed at the kick offprogram to show how the year went.

We have many awards you can give out,all of which are summarized below. Mastercopies of some of these awards areavailable on our website(www.wattwatchers.org) and on the CD-ROM. The others are available by callingthe office at 1-888-USWATTS.

Certificate of Certificate of Certificate of Certificate of Certificate of Achievement Achievement Achievement Achievement Achievement

This certificate is given to every studentthat participated in the Watt Watchers ofTexas program. The certificates are signedby the State Comptroller. These certificatesmust be ordered from our office. You mayalso want to give each student a pencil orsticker.

Zero Hero AwardZero Hero AwardZero Hero AwardZero Hero AwardZero Hero AwardThe Zero Hero award goes to the classroom

that remembered to turn out their lights morethan any other. Remember that on the patrolrecord form, the students mark a zero if thelights are off in a classroom. Depending onthe size of your school, you may want to havethe Top Ten Zero Hero’s List and give thenumber one classroom an extra prize-pencils, posters, or a book on energyconservation for their classroom.

Most Improved AwardMost Improved AwardMost Improved AwardMost Improved AwardMost Improved AwardThe classroom that made the most

improvement deserves to be recognized aswell. These students (and teachers) learnedthe most this year. Prizes for these studentscould also include Watt Watchers stickers orpencils.

FFFFFive Y ive Y ive Y ive Y ive Y ear Lear Lear Lear Lear Lapel Pinsapel Pinsapel Pinsapel Pinsapel Pins

Watt Watchers are loyal. Teachers tendto stick with the program after they try it. Watt Watchers are dedicated. They believe inwhat they are doing. That is why there areover 950 teachers across Texas who havebeen consistently helping to save energy,save money, and prevent pollution for fiveyears or more.

Watt Watchers of Texas established the 5 Year Pin program to recognize these unsungheroes. The lapel pins are simply the Watt Watchers light bulb logo with the pattern ofthe TX flag on them. After being a Watt Watchers of Texas Sponsor for five years, youwill have saved thousands of dollars for yourschool district. You will have prevented tonsof pollution from entering our atmosphere. And, you will have educated dozens ofstudents about caring for their world. Not tomention changing the habits and attitudesof fellow teachers and administrators. Those

are heroic actions.

Recognizing Energy Recognizing Energy Recognizing Energy Recognizing Energy Recognizing Energy ChampionsChampionsChampionsChampionsChampions



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It W It W It W It W It W orks!orks!orks!orks!orks!



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The $50 BillThe $50 BillThe $50 BillThe $50 BillThe $50 Bill

Y Y Y Y Y ou are going to get a fifty dollar bill. Itmay be yours to keep or it may be yoursto pay. Here’s why. The fluorescent lights

in a typical Texas classroom cost about $25to keep lit over an 180 day school year foreach hour of the day.

If a teacher remembers to turn out the lightson the way out of the classroom at lunch andafter school – the district gets a $50 bill. That’sgood, it means an extra $50 is in the budgetthat wasn’t paid to the utility company. You

get to keep this bill. Maybe it will buy a newbook for your library.

If a teacher forgets to turn out the lights onthe way out of the classroom at lunch andafter school – the district pays a $50 bill.

That’s bad; it means less money to operateand improve your school. Your taxes will be

used to pay the utility company. Sorry, nonew book for your library.

So, as you can see, the bill is yours to keepor yours to pay. The choice is definitely yours. And, those choices add up. If twentyteachers at your school change their habits– that would mean an extra $1,000 per yearyour school would save. What could you dowith 20 fifty dollar bills?

Start a Watt Watchers program at yourschool and stop wasting energy. Act nowso you will get the right kind of bill because,one way or another, you are going to get afifty dollar bill.



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W W W W W att Watchers is about getting peopleto think. Your role as a Watt Watcheris to get everyone in your school to

consider energy in their everyday life. Ifeveryone is aware of the consequences ofusing energy they will be more careful howthey use it. There is value in knowing thatleaving the fluorescent lights on in aclassroom costs money and createspollution. Think about this -if half of the 2.7million teachers in the U.S. turned out theirclassroom lights on the way to lunch it wouldsave $34 Million dollars every year. If energyis not considered it will be wasted.

But what do the experts say about theactual value of getting everyone to think about energy? Can a dollar figure beattached to Energy Awareness? Yes. Itmakes common sense that if energyis not considered it will be wastedand that if people stop and think they will save energy. Here’s what

a couple of sources have to sayon the subject:

“Simple behavior changesalone save some $7,000 perschool. That’s a lot of bakesales.” All iance to SaveEnergy (ASE) President, DavidNemtzow.

“Many schools and districtsaround Florida now administerenergy awareness programs toreduce their energy consumptionthrough more vigilant operation ofcontrols and improved operationand maintenance practices. Ouranalysis indicated that theseprograms have a small, butstatistically significant impact onenergy use. Schools which had such a

How Much is Energy How Much is Energy How Much is Energy How Much is Energy How Much is Energy A A A A A wareness W wareness W wareness W wareness W wareness W orth?orth?orth?orth?orth?

program had about a 4% lower annualenergy use than those schools that did not.On average, this saved $0.095 +0.055 persquare foot per year. We estimate that theaverage energy awareness program cansave a typical facility $5,000 - $12,000 inannual operating costs.” Florida SolarEnergy Center

Implement Watt Watchers at your schooland document the savings. Contact Watt

Watchers at 1-888-US WATTS (879-2887) orby e-mail at [email protected] and wewill help you figure out how much your Watt Watchers program is saving for your schooldistrict.



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If all of the estimated 1.2 million computer monitorsin Texas schools were enabled for monitor powermanagement, Texas would save...

A A A A A re the computers in your school wastingenergy? Screen savers DO NOT save

energy! A typical monitor uses 60-90watts. While in sleep mode a monitor usesonly 2-10 watts. Why waste energy when noone is using your school computers? You canhelp your school save energy, save money,and prevent pollution by implementing

Click on the PC Power Management

link at the Watt Watchers website

you can save $20 per monitor each year...

The $20 BillThe $20 BillThe $20 BillThe $20 BillThe $20 Bill

computer monitor power management. Justput your school’s computer monitors to sleep

after ten minutes of inactivity. You can usefree Energy StarÒ software to capturesavings at individual computers or utilize yournetwork to put all monitors to sleep at once.Sleep is Good. Contact Watt Watchers ofTexas for details.

every yea r

million dollars$20



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W W W W W hen someone says “lights out” atHutchinson Junior High, it’s for agood reason.

On Friday, the Central Lubbock School’sconservation efforts attracted the attentionof State Comptroller Carole KeetonStrayhorn, a person with passions foreducation and for saving money.

Strayhorn helped recognize students for

their energy-saving efforts.The school is involved in Watt Watchers,

a program encouraging students and staffto turn off lights and computers in roomsthat aren’t being used.

The 800-student school has cut its utilitycosts about 12 percent, which is estimatedto save $6,000 for the school year, saidHutchinson Principal Mike Bustillos.

“There’s a lot of money spent on utilities

overall,” Bustillos said. “If we don’t make aconservation effort, it’s easy for things to beleft on unnecessarily.”

The school also has a paper recyclingprogram and has increased use ofpaperless communications. Bustillos saidHutchinson has 70 percent of its allotmentfor paper and copier use remaining withless than half the school year left.

He said the efforts are squeezing moreout of a tight education dollar.

Strayhorn, a former schoolteacher, is astrong proponent of belt-tightening.

With the state facing an almost $10billion projected shortfall, Strayhorn has

recommended to legislators $3.7 billion insavings, including $1.7 billion in stategeneral revenue funds for the upcomingtwo-year budget. Texas’ budget must bebalanced, according to the stateconstitution.

Suggestions include increasing health-care costs to state employees, having Texas join a multistate lottery, merging the Texas

Railroad Commission and the Public UtilityCommission, postponing a Medicaidregistration rule and having privatecompanies operate a lodge in the DavisMountains and a tourist railroad in EastTexas, both overseen by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Strayhorn said more education dollarsshould go directly into the classroom.

“What you are doing here is verysignificant,” Strayhorn said Friday at

Hutchinson. “You are really protecting thefuture for future generations. We just need tolet you be the role model and the pacesetterfor the rest of the state.”

Watt Watchers is a state-sponsoredprogram to help school districts save energyfunds, primarily by having students look forenergy waste in the halls and classrooms,especially with lights being left on.

Strayhorn said the 2001 Legislature left 75percent of Strayhorn’s cost-saving

recommendations on the table; however,she said she believes lawmakers this timearound will be more receptive to cost-savingadvice from her and others.

Comptroller StrayhornComptroller StrayhornComptroller StrayhornComptroller StrayhornComptroller Strayhorn V V V V V isits JT Hutchinson JHSisits JT Hutchinson JHSisits JT Hutchinson JHSisits JT Hutchinson JHSisits JT Hutchinson JHS

By Bryan Williams, Lubbock Avalanche Journa (Spring 2003)



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OOOOO n November 16, 2004 the HaysConsolidated Independent SchoolDistricts issued the following press

release detailing the more than $260,000in energy reduction savings for their district.The efforts at HCISD are tremendous and inthe upcoming issues of Watts News, the Watt Watchers staff will bring you more details onthe efforts at HCISD.

The Hays CISD Board ofTrustees learned onMonday that effortsby campuses toreduce andmanage energyc o n s u m p t i o nhave resulted insavings of morethan $260,000in the district

electric bill. “Wesaved $260,000at our existingcampuses, afterabsorbing tworate increases,”said CarterScherff, HaysCISD ChiefF i n a n c i a lOfficer. Scherffattributed the

savings to twoprimary initiatives: The Watt Watchersprogram, which provides educationalinformation for elementary and middleschool students about energy and providesincentives for them to watch energy usageat their school; and regulated, scheduledtemperature and humidity levels at the

Hays Saves withHays Saves withHays Saves withHays Saves withHays Saves with W W W W W att W att W att W att W att W atchersatchersatchersatchersatchers

District energy savings exceed$260,000

campuses. “As an incentive to the campusesfor participating, we give them 10 percentof what they save,” he said. Campusesreceived checks ranging from $300 to$11,000. “This is no small task,” saidJoe Graham, member of theSchool Board. “Thecampuses deserve

every bit of

acknowledgement. We certainlyappreciate theirefforts.”

We saved $260,000 at

our existing campuses, after absorbing two rate increases...Carter Scherff

Hays CISD Chief Financial Officer



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UUUUUsing Watt Watchers, Salem Keizer PublicSchools in Salem, Oregon saved justunder $159,000 in energy usage and

utility costs from July 2002 through June 2003.School officials are expecting to significantlyincrease the savings for the 2003/2004school year.

“I think the savings of last year will probably double this year, if for no other reason than wewill have full-year participation from all of our

participant schools…I don’t know what we

would have done without the Watt Watchers program. Everything is working out really great.With our utilities accounting program, we areable to track real savings back to Watt Watchersactivities. Everyone gets credit for thesesavings.”-David Furr

W W W W W att W att W att W att W att W atchers Savesatchers Savesatchers Savesatchers Savesatchers Saves$3,600 P$3,600 P$3,600 P$3,600 P$3,600 Per Campuser Campuser Campuser Campuser Campus

How wonderful it would be if every school inTexas could save that much, too! Salem Keizersaved $158,432 by implementing Watt

Watchers in forty-four of their schools. Accordingto Utility Coordinator David Furr and UtilitiesConservation Specialist Kathleen Hill, forty-fourschools, more than half, enrolled in the programin the middle of the school year. The savings,though significant, really only reflected sixmonths of savings. Sixteen of the district’s schoolsdid not participate in the program last year.

The schools that did not participate in the Watt Watchers program still enjoyed a savings of$10,675 due to the other conservationmeasures in the district; however, it wasconsiderably less than the Watt Watchersschools.



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The $158,432 are equivalent to saving $.05per square foot in the forty-four Watt Watchersschools. The average cost savings for Watt

Watchers schools was $3,600 per campus and$667 per campus for non-Watt Watchers schools.

The district has approved a $400 stipend forthose schools that participate in the Watt

Watchers program. To receive the stipend, eachschool must complete initial audits by the endof October. Once the initial audit isfor their program. An additional $200 is givenin April to ensure that program deliverables aremet. The Watt Watchers schools send a parentnewsletter home with the students and present

Watt Watchers information to the school’s parentclub. Hill assists teachers in all aspects of theprograms and enjoys being at the schools withthe students. So far, fifty-one of the district’s

schools have enrolled in this year’s Watt Watchers program.

Through the district’s program called theResource Efficiency Action Program (REAP), manyenergy efficiency measures, reminders, andprograms are introduced to the schools in thedistrict. Some of the programs that are new thisyear to the Salem Keizer Watt Watchers programinclude “R Marks the Spot” and “The Wartville

Wizard goes to School.” “R Marks the Spot” is a

puppet show that promotes the district’s newwaste and energy reduction program. “The

Wartville Wizard Goes to School” is a skit aimedat teaching students how not to waste energyand water, and the proper way to dispose oftrash. Both programs are offered to the

elementary schools in the district. Hill hasadditional activities for the schools, includingEnergy Jeopardy, energy raps and songs.

The district’s Watt Watchers program isobviously extremely successful. With Kat Hillout at the schools sharing her information, hertime, and her passion – Watt Watchers is off toa tremendous start in the district. Some of thereasons for this success at Salem Keizer PublicSchools include:

District administration support for REAP in

the district;information technology departmentsupport for the initiative to put the district’scomputer monitors to sleep; · tracking utilitysavings and benchmarking the district’sschools for Energy Star labels;

and being aware of opportunities such astaking the lights and ballasts out of thevending machines.



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That’s Not AllThat’s Not AllThat’s Not AllThat’s Not AllThat’s Not All Y’all Y’all Y’all Y’all Y’all



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Getting a Watt Watchers program started inyour school is so simple. All you need to dois order the FREE kit! Your kit comes completewith 4 name badges, 4 lanyards, 4notebooks, 4 pencils, the forms, a CD-ROM,and a program manual all to help you get

started saving energy and money for yourschool today!

Your students will patrol the halls of the schoolsto see where energy is being wasted. Whenthey locate a classroom or office that is emptyand the lights are on they will leave areminder ticket … “Oh, No—You forgot to turnyour lights out when you left the room!” If theynotice classrooms that consistently turn thelights out they leave them a thank-you note… “This room is First Rate— Thanks for SavingEnergy for our School!”

It is that simple.

Your students and your entire school will learna valuable lesson about energy efficiencyand its benefits that will last a lifetime. Yourstudents will change habits and attitudesabout our environment while saving moneyand preventing pollution. You will changethe world for the better.

Teachers, just place the Watt Watchersmaterials in a bin at your front door andassign your students a time to go on patrolsthroughout the day and the work is done. Theprogram can be adapted to fit yourteaching needs and demands. The Watt

Watchers program is designed not tointerrupt daily school activities. Thousandsof programs across Texas are now patrollingquickly and quietly.

Join us today!

The Watt Watchers staff is here to support you. We have a quarterly newspaper, lessonplans, energy kits for loan, and several moreenergy-related programs. To learn moreabout Watt Watchers or to sign up andreceive your free kit, please contact us:

Toll Free Phone/Fax: 1-888-US WATTS (1-888-879-2887)

e-mail: [email protected] Visit our website: http://wattwatchers.org

Enroll in W Enroll in W Enroll in W Enroll in W Enroll in W attattattattatt W W W W W atchers of Tatchers of Tatchers of Tatchers of Tatchers of Teeeeexasxasxasxasxas

It is thatSimple!

Get your free kit

Changethe World



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Get started.Get started.Get started.Get started.Get started.Sign up for a free kit. Call 1-888-USWATTS or go on-line at http//:wattwatchers.org to enroll. You willreceive a free kit which includesa set of 4 Watt Watchers binders,

4 name badges and 4 name tagswith 4 lanyards, 4 pencils,program manual, CD-ROM, plus asupply of forms, sample ticketsand thank you notes. Everythingyou need — open your kit and getstarted today! Not only will yourschool be provided with all of thematerials l isted above(approximately a $25 value), Watt Watchers will provide free supportfor the program, including:

WATTS NEWS — QuarterlyNewspaper

Toll Free Phone & Toll FreeFax support line

Website and e-mail support

E-Mail Update – Monthly news for Watt Watchers

Workshops – Watt Watchers sponsors regionalworkshops

Conferences – Watt Watchers attends

educational conferences – see you there.CD-ROM with all the materials to have asuccessful program

Five Year Lapel Pins for dedicated Watt Watchers sponsors

Watt Watchers Certificates for participation,Zero Hero and Most Improved Watt Watchers Awards.

But that’s not all Y’all!But that’s not all Y’all!But that’s not all Y’all!But that’s not all Y’all!But that’s not all Y’all!In addition to student energy patrols that findwaste and raise awareness, Watt Watchers also

has additional programs for yourschool:

Traveling Energy ExplorationStations – free loans of hands-onkits for classes

Knowledge is Power – an energyefficiency curriculum supplement

Sleep Is Good – a computermonitor power managementprogram

Junior Solar Sprint – a model solarrace car project

Energy Encounter – a one dayworkshop for high school students

District Energy Council – studentsassisting energy managers

Recyclin’ Rangers – school wide recyclingawareness program

Benchmarking – compare your school districtenergy use nationally

Watt Watchers of Texashttp://wattwatchers.org

1-888 US WATTS (1-888-879-2887)[email protected]

Sponsored by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts,

State Energy Conservation Office, and the U.S.Department of Energy

It’s FIt’s FIt’s FIt’s FIt’s Free!-It’s Simple!ree!-It’s Simple!ree!-It’s Simple!ree!-It’s Simple!ree!-It’s Simple!-It W -It W -It W -It W -It W orks!orks!orks!orks!orks! -start your program today -start your program today -start your program today -start your program today -start your program today Watt Watchers of Texas is a FREE energy efficiency program for Texas schools

sponsored by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, State Energy Conservation

Office, and the U.S. Department of Energy. The program is designed to help school

districts save energy and money by getting students involved. It is simple and effective!

Students patrol the halls of the schools reducing energy waste by turning off lights

and leaving “tickets” for empty classrooms with the lights on. Turning out the lights

in a classroom during two unoccupied hours per day (lunch & after school) can save

$50 over a school year.



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Knowledge is PKnowledge is PKnowledge is PKnowledge is PKnowledge is Powerowerowerowerower

Example of Example of Example of Example of Example of LessonsLessonsLessonsLessonsLessons

Available: Available: Available: Available: Available:Secret Mission BehindSecret Mission BehindSecret Mission BehindSecret Mission BehindSecret Mission BehindPPPPPower Lines: W ower Lines: W ower Lines: W ower Lines: W ower Lines: W at tattat tattatt

Watchers Survey Watchers Survey Watchers Survey Watchers Survey Watchers Survey· This lesson allows students tosurvey the school for energywaste or savings to determineif being Watt Watchers willsave energy and money fortheir school using math,science, social studies andreading skills.

Energy TEnergy TEnergy TEnergy TEnergy Trip Tick rip Tick rip Tick rip Tick rip Tick etetetetet

· Students learn about wasting

energy, conserving energy,energy crisis and what to doabout it by doing these handson, minds on, classroom activity using socialstudies, math, science, and language arts skills.

Conserving Electricity: TURN IT OFF!Conserving Electricity: TURN IT OFF!Conserving Electricity: TURN IT OFF!Conserving Electricity: TURN IT OFF!Conserving Electricity: TURN IT OFF!

· Students learn why saving energy helps reduceair pollution. They will also learn how electricity isproduced and sent to homes, schools, andbusinesses using science, social studies, andlanguage arts skills.

Energy Home SurveyEnergy Home SurveyEnergy Home SurveyEnergy Home SurveyEnergy Home Survey· Students conduct home energy survey and answerquestions to learn about appliances and air leaksin the home. Students discuss ways to save energyand develop a plan to start saving energy at homeusing science, social studies and language artsskills.

Air Leakage at Home Air Leakage at Home Air Leakage at Home Air Leakage at Home Air Leakage at Home

· Students learn how to stop airleaks in the home by installingswitch plate and plug sealersand making draft dodgers. Thiswill help the students become

better energy savers and usemath, science, social studiesand reading skills.

The PThe PThe PThe PThe Pay Me Gameay Me Gameay Me Gameay Me Gameay Me Game

· Students will use play moneyto understand the dollar cost oftheir energy bills by using mathand science skills.

How Much Energy Do Y How Much Energy Do Y How Much Energy Do Y How Much Energy Do Y How Much Energy Do Y ouououououUse?Use?Use?Use?Use?

· Students will do a home energysurvey, which will help themdetermine which appliances in

their homes are energy gobbler appliances. Theywill work on util ity math problems and acomparison of the results using science, math,social studies, reading and writing skills.

Incandescent vs. Fluorescent - BattleIncandescent vs. Fluorescent - BattleIncandescent vs. Fluorescent - BattleIncandescent vs. Fluorescent - BattleIncandescent vs. Fluorescent - Battleof the Bulbsof the Bulbsof the Bulbsof the Bulbsof the Bulbs

· Students will learn how to be energy efficient athome. They will do a home energy survey forfluorescent lights and compare the wattage use

of a compact fluorescent light and incandescentlight using math, science, and social studies skills.

Knowledge is Power is very easy to access. Youcan download the lesson plans on the Watt Watchers of Texas website at wattwatchers.org ororder a copy of the lesson plans by calling the Watt Watchers toll free number, 1-888-USWATTS or emailus at [email protected].

W att Watchers of Texas has developed an energy efficiency curriculum supplement

for grades K-12 called Knowledge is Power. These lesson plans on energy

conservation and energy efficiency are correlated to the Texas Essential Knowledge

and Skills and include starter activities, extensions and discussion questions. The

lessons range from coloring pages and school lighting surveys to cost effective

buying and appliance surveys. Knowledge is Power covers a broad subject range

including math, science, social studies, and language arts.



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Electricity Electricity Electricity Electricity Electricity StationStationStationStationStation– This station includesbooks, videos, posters,and 10 hands-on activitiesthat assist the student and

teacher during a unit onelectricity. We have alsoincluded a Watt’s UpMeter- this device allowsstudents to plug anappliance, like a hairdryer, into the meter anddo calculations todetermine how much itcosts to use theappliance. This activityand many more trulyenhance your unit onElectricity.

Solar Cooking StationSolar Cooking StationSolar Cooking StationSolar Cooking StationSolar Cooking Station

– Solar Cooking is one of the most excitingrenewable energy activities that you can dowith students. The station contains books,videos, 4 ready-to-use solar cookers,cooking utensils and a complete set ofdesigns to build 7 solar cookers in yourclassroom. With the designs that we haveprovided for you, your students can cook anything from a s’more, hot dog, cookies oreven a roast! Remember the key to solarcooking is the sun – so plan this station intoyour renewable energy lesson and makesure you get it during the sunny time of year.

Junior SolarJunior SolarJunior SolarJunior SolarJunior SolarSprint StationSprint StationSprint StationSprint StationSprint Station– Working in teams, yourstudents can build modelsolar cars and hold races.

They will have lots of funwhile learning about solarenergy. The stationincludes 10 solar panels,plus wheels, transmissionsand many other parts thatyou will need to assembleyour model solar car. Thestation provides greatinstructions from theNational RenewableEnergy Laboratories onhow to use the Junior SolarSprint program in your

classroom. The station also providesinstructions on how to hold a solar car raceat your school and how to order morematerials if you would like to have your ownset of Junior Solar Sprint materials.

Renewable Energy StationRenewable Energy StationRenewable Energy StationRenewable Energy StationRenewable Energy Station– Building a solar water heater is one of themany things that you can experience in your

own classroom when you check out arenewable energy station! Renewableenergy can be an incredible hands-onlearning experience for students and with thisstation every classroom in Texas can sharethat opportunity. Books, videos, models,hands on activities are just some of the itemsincluded.

TTTTTraveling Energy raveling Energy raveling Energy raveling Energy raveling Energy Exploration StationsExploration StationsExploration StationsExploration StationsExploration StationsThe Traveling Energy Exploration Stations are boxes with lessons and lab supplies

boxed together ready to set out for your students. The stations also come with

resources like books, videos and posters and an Educators Guide to help the teacher

through this energy filled exploration.



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Energy Efficiency StationEnergy Efficiency StationEnergy Efficiency StationEnergy Efficiency StationEnergy Efficiency Station– This station was created to enhance theKnowledge is Power energy efficiencycurriculum supplement. The lessons included

in the station include Air Leakage at Home,Cost Effective Buying, Energy Trip Ticket, Taleof Two Light Bulbs, the Pay Me Game and somuch more.

These stations can be checked out from Watt Watchers of Texas for two weeks at a time.The box will be shipped to your school at ourcost. Don’t worry about using up the suppliesin the box, we will refill them when they getback to our office. Then we will have the boxpicked back up at your school, once again

at our cost. There is no cost to you at all, noshipping fees, no rental fees, no reservationfees—totally FREE.

To reserve a Traveling Energy EducationStation for your classroom, fi l l out areservation form and fax it back to us.

Reservation forms can be found on ourwebsite www.wattwatchers.org, on ourCDROM and in most of our newspapers. Besure to give us alternate dates you would liketo have the station in your classroom, andto send in your reservation form early sincewe have a very high demand in the springmonths.

Watt Watchers of Texas Web: http://wattwatchers.org

Toll Free: 1-888-USWATTSEmail: [email protected]



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Junior Solar SprintJunior Solar SprintJunior Solar SprintJunior Solar SprintJunior Solar Sprint

TTTTThe U.S. Department of Energy’s

National Junior Solar Sprint (JSS)Program is a classroom-based, hands-

on educational program.

The primary goals of the JSSThe primary goals of the JSSThe primary goals of the JSSThe primary goals of the JSSThe primary goals of the JSSprogram are to:program are to:program are to:program are to:program are to:

1. Generate enthusiasmfor science andengineering at acrucial stage in thee d u c a t i o n a l

development ofyoung people

2. improve students’understanding ofscientif ic conceptsand renewableenergy technologies;and

3. encourage youngpeople to considertechnical careers at

an early age.The JSS program invites middle schoolstudents to design, build and race JSS cars.The small model cars are powered entirelyby solar energy, steered by wires and are ateam effort that is guided by teachers.

Working in teams of 2-4, each team isprovided with a kit consisting of a solarpanel and a motor. The students designthe chassis and the transmission and then

build them out of an assortment ofmaterials. The finished car must have aremovable solar panel. Students areencouraged to use math and scienceprinciples together with their creativity in afun, challenging program that stimulatesenthusiasm for science at a criticalstage in their education.

Watt Watchers is presenting JSS workshopsto middle school teachers in Texas. Theworkshops are designed to encourageteachers to get involved in JSS and bring

the program to theirmiddle schools.Teachers will learn tobuild a model solar carand race it against theother teachers in theworkshop. All the

information teachersneed to start a JSSprogram in their districtis provided during theworkshop. The modelsolar car is given to theteacher at the end ofthe workshop so that heor she can take it back to his or her classroom

and get the studentsexcited about theproject.

Watt Watchers has a JSS travelingexploration station available for teachersto check out for their school or district.The station is available for teachers tocheck out for up to 6 weeks. This stationwill allow teachers to have a set of modelsolar cars so that your class can work in

teams to build cars and then have a solarcar race of their own. When the race iscompleted, take the cars apart and returnthe station to Watt Watchers.

For more information about the JSSTraveling Energy Station or the teacherworkshops please, contact Watt Watchers at

1-888-USWATTS.



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All in a day’s rest… All in a day’s rest… All in a day’s rest… All in a day’s rest… All in a day’s rest…To download the free Energy Star EZ Save and

EZ Wizard programs, click on the PC PowerManagement link on the Watt Watchers Website.The computer monitor power managementcampaign, Sleep is Good, is a national effort byEPA/DOE to promote energy savings in computermonitors. Watt Watchers is helping Texas schoolstake advantage of the program.

Sleep is GoodSleep is GoodSleep is GoodSleep is GoodSleep is Good

District A District A District A District A District A District BDistrict BDistrict BDistrict BDistrict B District CDistrict CDistrict CDistrict CDistrict C

# of computers 3,000 10,000 15,000

% of monitors enabled 55 0 50

% of monitors enabled after mandate 100 100 100

Cost of electricity per kwh 7.5¢ 5.8¢ 6.0¢

Hours monitors are used per week 9 9 9

Days monitors are used per week 5 5 5

% of monitors turned off nightand weekends before mandate 35 35 35

% of monitors turned off nightand weekends after mandate 65 65 65

Current energy use (kWh) 953,620 5,522,790 5,087,745

Future energy use (kWh) 349,479 1,164,930 1,747,395Energy savings (kWh)Energy savings (kWh)Energy savings (kWh)Energy savings (kWh)Energy savings (kWh) 604,141604,141604,141604,141604,141 4,357,8604,357,8604,357,8604,357,8604,357,860 3,340,3503,340,3503,340,3503,340,3503,340,350

Current energy costs $71,522 $320,322 $305,265

Future energy costs $26,211 $67,566 $104,844

Monetary savingsMonetary savingsMonetary savingsMonetary savingsMonetary savings $45,311$45,311$45,311$45,311$45,311 $252,756$252,756$252,756$252,756$252,756 $200,421$200,421$200,421$200,421$200,421

% of savings 63 79 65

The computers in your school are wasting energy. You can help your school save

money. Implement computer monitor power management.

What Y’All Need to Remember:Screen savers DO NOTDO NOTDO NOTDO NOTDO NOT save energy!

A typical monitor uses 60-90 watts.

While in sleep mode a monitor uses 2-10watts.

Your Energy Star features may not beenabled.

Use free Energy Star software to capturesavings.

Utilize your network; put all monitors tosleep at once.

Turn off your monitor at night.

Save energy, save money, preventpollution.

Some actual examples from districts that already set their monitors to sleep:

If all of the estimated 1.2 million computermonitors in Texas schools were enabledfor monitor power management, Texaswould save up to $20.5 million each year!



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A A A A A n Energy Encounter is a one day eventto provide lots of information, ideas,and excitement about energy projects

for students, teachers and administrators.Groups from several different schools in adistrict or region come together for fun,learning, and motivation. It is a great wayto pick up energy project ideas for StudentCouncil, Future Teachers of America, NationalHonor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, your Science Club or other group.

The students attending the Encounter will beparticipating in Real Projects that we havechosen from the Real Projects with RealResults in the Real World Handbook. Theseprojects, or as we like to call them Missionsare projects that they can learn to do at theEncounter and then go back to their schoolsand do. The missions include VendingMachine Audits, Classroom Lighting Audits,Computer Audits, Mentoring a Watt WatchersProgram, and much more. Stduents willreport the information about their mission tothe other students attending the Encounterso that everyone learns how to do all theprojects completed. Students will also hearpresentations from school district EnergyManagers to help them understand that theprojects they do on the campuses make aREAL difference.

All this, and more, is condensed into one fullday that includes handouts, prize drawings,and a little frivolity along with serious savings

sessions to help your group encounterenergy and emerge efficient.

Energy Managers are much needed forthese workshops. Students in your district aredoing energy projects and we would like youto know what they are doing. The encounteralso gives you a chance to work with themto do projects that would benefit everyone.

These student groups are at your campuseseveryday of the school year and they canand will be your eyes and ears on thatcampus to help reduce energy waste. If youare interested in assisting with an EnergyEncounter in your area, we would bepleased to organize a workshop for yourschools.

To Register for an Energy Encounter or to findout how your school can host an Encounter

please contact Watt Watchers at 1-888-US WATTS or check the Watt Watchers websitewattwatchers.org for a schedule ofupcoming Encounters.

Please give us a call if you have anyquestions or if your school or school districtwould like to host an Energy Encounter.

Watt Watchers of Texaswattwatchers.org1-888 US WATTS or 1-888 WATTEAM

[email protected]

Close Encounters of Close Encounters of Close Encounters of Close Encounters of Close Encounters of the Energy Kind the Energy Kind the Energy Kind the Energy Kind the Energy Kind



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Here are some simple steps for generatingsome trash talk at your schools and gettinga Recycling Rangers program started!

1. Contact Watt Watchers for moreinformation on Recycling Rangers.

2. Conduct an Audit – who is recycling atyour school? Is someone responsible fortaking it from the classroom to the bin?There are many questions that you need

answers to before you get started.3. Based on your audit determine what you

will be recycling. Contact the recyclingrepresentative for your district and find outwhat they will accept through therecycling program. The district may onlyhave a plan to recycle paper.

4. Get Support. Make sure that you talk tothe administration about the programbefore you start recycling. You don’t wantto start the program and then not have a

place to dispose of it or not have supportfrom the administration.

5. Organize the Collection Procedure. Usinga fire drill map of your school to create abefore and after schoolprocedure for picking uprecycling. Make it easy onyou and your patrolgroup. If you aregoing to collectduring school, use

a teacher conference schedule so thatyou know when they are not teaching inthe room – we don’t want to ever interrupta learning environment.

6. Educate the Staff – let the Rangerseducate the staff about the recyclingprogram. Teachers like to learn fromstudents and students like to teachteachers!

7. Kick Off your Program – doannouncements to remind teachers thattoday is pick up day – have your binsready. Put up posters to educate theschool about recycling. Raise awareness!

8. Continue to educate the school.Education about the program that willkeep it strong for many years to come.Never assume that teachers and studentsknow what is going on. Keep theminformed.

9. Tell your story – write articles/summaries toshare with the district media office. Sendyour story to Watt Watchers – schools learnfrom what other schools are doing, soshare your story!

10. Contact Watt Watchers for support andideas. We are here to help you.

This program is verymuch like your Watt Watchers

Patrol except thatstudents are managingtrash instead of turning off

the lights. But the

really coolthing is you cando both at thesame time!!

Recycling RangersRecycling RangersRecycling RangersRecycling RangersRecycling RangersWatt Watchers wants you to take action and start Talking Trash at your school!

Too much paper is put into the trash can - it should be placed in a recycling bin that is

emptied regularly. Too many cans and plastic drink containers are placed into the

trash can-they too can be put into recycling containers and taken for recycling.

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W W W W W att Watchers of Texas is here toeducate Texas students about howto be energy efficient in and out of

school. For many years Watt Watchers hasbeen giving organizations and clubs ideasfor projects they can do in their schools andcommunities. We don’t expect you to do italone and that is why Watt Watchers hasdeveloped the real projects in the Real worldwith Real Results Handbook – so that you canmake a resolution to improve your school andcommunity by doing projects that make a

real difference.This new tool includes instructions on doinga Lighting Audit, a Soda Machine Audit, andmuch more, in your school. These areprojects that have the potential to savethousands of energy dollars for your schooland it can all be started by a simple studentaudit of the lighting system, computer

monitors, etc. … and presenting that auditto the administration in your school or district. Another project: getting other Watt Watchersprograms going in your district. You knowhow much it has helped your school, so whynot spread the information to the schools thatfeed into your high school. It is a very simpleproject for your school because you alreadyknow how to run a successful Watt Watcherspatrol. You just need to locate your oldmiddle school and elementary schoolteachers and share the program with them

and then train their students. So, betweenthe Real Projects and Short and SimpleProjects you should have more than a year’sworth of activities at your fingertips with thisgreat handbook. Watt Watchers will updatethis handbook every year to give you moreproject ideas so that you can see real resultsin your school. Send us your ideas so wecan include them in future editions.

Real Projects in theReal Projects in theReal Projects in theReal Projects in theReal Projects in theReal W Real W Real W Real W Real W orldorldorldorldorld

Over 50 years ago, a mythical American icon

named “Rosie the Riveter”inspired millions of World WarII women to join the workforceto help defeat our wartimeenemies. Rosie the Riveterappeared on a famous posterurging women to take factory jobs to build bombs, airplanesand practically everythingelse. These women took overroles traditionally held by menand proved what gutsy,productive women workers

could accomplish. Theychanged some old ideasabout a woman’s place beingin the home. Strong, self-sufficient, patriotic, andplucky women all across

America helped with the war with rolled up sleeves

and a can-do attitude. Watt Watchers chose Rosie asa symbol for our High SchoolProjects handbook because wethink students can step up andgo beyond their traditionalroles just like Rosie did.

Rosie got a makeover to turnher into our “Rodeo Rosie.” Belike Rosie --Get the handbook that supports strong, self-sufficient, patriotic, and plucky

students across Texas who areready to roll up their sleevesand use their can-do attitudesto help save energy for theirschools, you can change someold ideas about a student’splace being in the classroom.

Y’all can do it!



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DDDDDistrict Energy Council organizesstudents to assist the district energymanager. Capable students from

each high school in a district form acommittee or council led by the energymanager. The council identif ies andundertakes projects that help the districtrealize its goals of energy efficiency. Forexample, students mentored by the energymanager may decide to get involved incomputer power management,

implementing Watt Watchers district-wide,promoting district energy policy, exit sign andsoda machine audits, posting campus energydata or other projects. Oneimportant function of the DistrictEnergy Council is to widely publicizeenergy programs and encourageenergy awareness throughout theschool district. Each student carriesout the projects in their own schooland feeder schools.

Often, students feel helpless andun-empowered when attemptingbig energy efficiency projects.Having an energy manager as amentor increases their confidence.Likewise, energy managers havegoals and energy projects that theydo not have time to pursue.Forming links with students expandsthe energy manager’s capabilitiesand provides a public relationsvehicle for district energy policy.

Also, when students present certainideas they have a better chanceof being accepted. Teamingstudents and energy managersholds the potential to tapsynergistic resources that wouldotherwise be unavailable.

Watt Watchers wants to work with energymanagers to implement District EnergyCouncil in their district. Watt Watchers willwork to identify selected students in the highschools of the district to participate in theprogram. The students and energy managerwill be trained in a workshop facilitated by Watt Watchers to get the program started.

Watt Watchers will work with several schooldistricts across Texas each year to assist inimplementing District Energy Councils. If you

would like to learn more about the program,please contact us.

District Energy District Energy District Energy District Energy District Energy CouncilCouncilCouncilCouncilCouncil

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FFFFFrequently Watt Watchers is askedabout the advisability of turning offf luorescent lights. The inquiring

teacher (almost always a new Watt Watcherssponsor) is a little apologetic and quicklyexplains that there are just some difficultteachers that insist that the school district willlose money if they turn out the lights everytime they leave their classroom.

Some of these teachers state that theyknow that frequent switching of fluorescent

lights will cause premature failure of the bulbsand end up costing the school district morein bulbs, labor, etc. Furthermore, theyelaborate, an electrical surge occurs whenfluorescent lights are switched on and thissurge will consume much more energy thancould ever be saved by turning out the lights.

These teachers may be surprised to learnthat their “facts” are actually myths. But thereis a small kernel of truth within the myths,which is probably how these ideaspersistently hang on year in and year out. A surge of electricity does occur and extrawear that shortens the life of fluorescentbulbs is caused by switching them on andoff. Nevertheless, every lighting expert willagree that turning off the lights when youwill be out of your classroom for 10 minutes*or more is the smart choice. Period. What’s

a poor teacher to do?There is no real controversy here.

Sometimes it’s necessary to upgrade ourknowledge base along with the technology. We just need to get all the facts. Half truths,it seems, create energy myths. The electrical

Lighting-Lighting-Lighting-Lighting-Lighting-Myth vs. FMyth vs. FMyth vs. FMyth vs. FMyth vs. Factactactactact



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surge is extremely short and insignificant. Thewear on the light bulbs is far outweighed byenergy savings when the lights are out. Verysimple. But I’m afraid we will have to do ourhomework and document these facts.

Watt Watchers recommendssimply compilingdocumentation and providingit to the “myth-bound teacher”in a scientif ic and non-threatening manner andasking for the same from them.Since there is no evidencesupporting the myths it will putthem in a difficult position. Begentle with them; they areoperating on the bestknowledge they have. Scienceis squarely on your side.

Manufacturers base theexpected life of fluorescentbulbs on an average 3-hour“strike.” That is, they test them bycontinuously switching them offand back on every three hoursuntil half of the bulbs fail. Anaverage life in hours isexpected in bulbs thatexperience 8 on-off cycles per24 hour period. This fits nicelywithin almost all patterns ofusage for offices andclassrooms.

The occupancy sensorindustry has grown to be a very largesegment of the energy retrofit market.Occupancy sensors are automatic switchesthat turn off lights after 5 to 10 minutes of nomotion in a room or hallway. The time delay

is chosen based on cost effectiveness.Please help Watt Watchers catalog the

existence of lighting myths. As you encounterthem, please give us feedback on whathappens in your school. And send anyarticles you may see about energy myths.

Here is a list of references about lightingmyths. Watt Watchers can supply you withhard copies of the referenced articles onrequest:

One recent review of this

issue is at:http://www.energyideas.org/topics/default.cfm?o=h,t&c=z,z

then follow this menu chain:Home >Topics >Lighting>Operation and Maintenance>LIGHTS OUT: Does turning offfluorescent lights for x amountof time shorten the lamp life oruse more energy?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created aprogram called GreenLights toassist corporations in improvinglighting efficiency. The programhas evolved into the EnergyStarBuildings program and is jointlysponsored with the Departmentof Energy. GreenLights andEnergyStar Buildingsrecommend that lights be

switched off in unoccupiedrooms. The Fall 1997 EnergyStarBuildings and GreenLightsUpdate includes an article onenergy myths aboutoccupancy sensors. Myths

number 4 and 5 address frequent switchingand electrical surges.

EPA GreenLights training covers the mythsand includes a pie chart that shows energyto be 90% of the total cost of owning and

operating a lighting system. The examplethey provide is for an efficient T-8 systemwhere the energy costs are very low and theyuse 7 cents per kWh (below the currentnational average of 8 cents). Even in thissystem energy accounts for 90% of total cost.Materials (replacement bulbs) are 6%.

If every teacher in

Texas turned out the lights at

lunch and after school...

it would save175 MIllion k Wh and $14million every

year. It would be the

equivalent of taking 23,465cars off the

road.



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Labor to change the bulbs is 3%. And, lastbut not least, EPA calculated 1% of total costsfor properly recycling the old bulbs.

The Illumination Engineering Society (IES)is the standard bearer of the lighting industry.

The IES Handbook is the basic reference forall lighting professionals. Thehandbook recommends thatfluorescent lights be turnedout if a space is unoccupiedfor 5 minutes. (IES Handbook,8th Edition, 1993, Chapter 30,p. 856)

James C. Elledge has aQuestion and Answer columnin Today’s Facility Manager

Magazine called Tricks of theTrade. He tackled the lightingenergy myths issue. Hisresponse: the electrical surgeis 1/120 of a second andenergy savings andcalendar life of bulbs is moreimportant than the number ofhours a bulb lasts. He also addresses theenvironmental benefits of turning off the lights.

Economics of Switching Fluorescent

Lamps by Louis A. Carriere And Mark S. Rea

*Actually, the experts all say 5 minutes. Watt Watcherschose 10 minutes to eliminate any potential for nit-pickingand allow for a spirit of compromise. Most school energy managers recommend turning out the lights whenever you leave the room regardless of how long you think youwill be gone.

Energy Managers

agree:

The best courseof action is toturn out the

lights when youleave.

IEEE Transactions On Industry Applications, Vol. 24, No. 3, May/June 1988 Abstract- Based on side-by-side costcomparison of different switching options,including a combination of parameters

biased against frequent switching, this studyreinforces the idea that it iseconomical to turnfluorescent lamps off whenthey are not needed.Background information toexplain the calculationprocedures and a sensitivityanalysis are included.

http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/ and search for “switchingfluorescents”

The Lighting Design Labsponsored by theNorthwest Energy Efficiency Alliance has an article athttp:// www.lightingdesignlab.com/ articles/switching/

switching_fluorescent.htm that has thelongest recommended time to wait beforeswitching fluorescents.

North Carolina Division of PollutionPrevention and Environmental Assistance(DPPEA) Has a four page analysis postedat www.p2pays.org/ref/36/35297.pdf



8080808080

Let’s compare...on one hand we have a 75wincandescent bulb just like we all have in ourhomes. It is what we have used to light up ourlives since Thomas Edison invented it over 125years ago. It uses 75 Watts of electricity andproduces 1200 lumens of light. Maybe it istime to rethink that old standby.On the other hand, the funny lookinglightbulb is a Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbor CFL. It is just like the long tubes we see inschools and stores -exceptthe tube is spiral

shaped or “folded” to be more compact. Thisbulb uses 20 Watts of electricity andproduces 1200 lumens of light.How is it possible to produce the same amountof light with only ONE-FOURTH of the electricity?Try this simple test: Carefully touch the top ofan incandescent bulb -BE CAREFUL it is hot!Now compare the temperature to aCompact Fluorescent Light bulb -it is muchcooler. The incandescent bulb turns 90% of

the energy itconsumes into heatand only 10 % of theelectricity is used to makelight. The CFL is 4 timesmore efficient andproduces more lumens oflight per Watt of electricity.The CFL is a Smart Bulb andthe incandescent is aDumb Bulb. So why

doesn’t everyone have CFLsin every socket?Old habits are hard to change. Most peopledon’t consider the cost of energy for lightbulbs (or other appliances)- they just look atthe cost to buy the bulbs. Cheap bulbs seemlike a good deal. CFLs are more expensivethan incandescent bulbs but they pay forthemselves through lower energy use. Check the chart to see how much you can save.

Tale of 2Tale of 2Tale of 2Tale of 2Tale of 2LightbulbsLightbulbsLightbulbsLightbulbsLightbulbs

Don’t be tricked...A 50 cent lightbulbcosts more thana $20 lightbulb!

20W CFL1,200

$20.00

Up to 10,000 hours(or 6.8years)

4 hours per day(1,460 hours/year)

1

$20.00

20Wx10,000 hrs=200,000 Watt hrs/1000=200

$20

---

Bulb Type

Lumens Produced

Purchase Price

Life of the Bulb

Number of Hours Burned perDay

Number of Bulbs Needed toequal life of CFL

Total Cost of Purchasing Bulbs*

Kilowatthours (kWh) (1000 Watthours)

Total Cost of Electricity (10 cents x kilowatt-hour)

Total Savings using a CFL com-pared to an incandescentbulb:

75W Incandescent1,200

$0.50

750 hours(or 1/2 of year)

4 hours per day(1,460 hours/year)

~13

$6.50

75Wx10,000 hrs=750,000 Watt hrs/1000=750 kWh

$75.00

$55.00



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