Several hundred curious, and excited, parents and students attended open houses for Storm Grove Middle School on August 5 th and 6 th. The two-night event, a cooperative effort between the school administration and the PTSA, was the first opportunity that the school community had to take a tour of Indian River County's fourth middle school.

"The turnout was outstanding," commented Shawn O'Keefe, Storm Grove's principal. "Everyone seemed to really appreciate the effort the school district went through to construct a school that is not only so aesthetically pleasing and technologically advanced, but also so environmentally-friendly."

Touted as the county's first-ever "green" school, albeit without the official LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Storm Grove Middle boasts the expected energy-saving features such as plenty of windows to allow natural light, angled ceilings to maximize the reflection of natural light into the classrooms, and low flow water fixtures.

Aside from the obvious environmental features, there are many not-so-obvious features, including using low volatile organic compound products, formaldehyde-free acoustical ceilings and adhesives, increased building envelop insulation, rain water harvesting, and high efficiency T8 and T5 lamps with energy saving ballasts.

"But being green isn't just about a building. It needs to extend into the classroom," explained O'Keefe. "We are privileged to be able to develop a culture from the very beginning of environmental sensitivity within our school. To create citizens who are aware of the impact they make on the world around them."

For example, the row of ceiling lights closest to the windows in the classrooms is on a different on/off switch than the rest of the lights, O'Keefe further explained. "Students will be the ones to determine if it is necessary to have the lights on at any given time. This allows the students to become more aware of their surroundings and take ownership in the use of electricity."

"We want to raise more responsible young men and women," added O'Keefe.

Each classroom and office desk will also have recycle bins specifically for paper, and the cafeteria and gymnasium will have 32-gallon garbage cans for bottles and cans, allowing the students and staff to develop good recycling habits.The start-up bins are being provided by the Indian River County's Green Sustainability Committee through funding from the Indian River County Solid Waste Disposal District.

In addition to environmental considerations, safety is a top priority. Fencing around the perimeter of the property is planned and the school can go into instant lockdown with the push of a button. One of the most advanced safety features are lightning protectors, which are placed atop each of the five campus buildings and which act as a dome of protection should lightning strike.

Storm Grove welcomed its first students on August 24 th with an enrollment of 890, including nearly 200 "choice" students who elected to attend the school even though they are outside of the school zone. The school mascot is the Stingray and colors are blue and green. The campus is situated on 40 acres of a 150-acre site owned by the school district on 57 th Street, between 58 th and 66 th Avenues. For more information about the school, visit www.indianriverschools.org/SGMS

Some of Storm Grove Middle's "Green" Features

(per Schenkel Schultz Architecture)

1.Low volatile organic compound (VOC) products

2.Concrete "tilt wall" exterior wall construction

3.Native and drought tolerant plantings

4.High durability products

5.High reflectance roof membrane

6.Formaldehyde-free acoustical ceilings and adhesives

7.Low E operable glass system

8.Increased building envelop insulation

9.recycle content furniture and built in furniture

10.High efficiency T8 and T5 lamps with energy saving ballasts

11.Automatic day lighting sensors for interior lighting

12.Low flow water fixtures

13.Acoustical enhancement in all teaching areas

14.High efficiency chilled water HVAC system

15.Carbon dioxide sensors to monitor outside air changes

16.2-story academic buildings to reduce site impact

17.Rain water harvesting

18.Classroom energy monitoring

19.90% view glazing in all occupied areas

20.Clerestory (window above) in media center and dining areas