Golda Meir

As a first-time participant, Golda Meir School made a notable impact, piloting the competition for Milwaukee Public Schools alongside Albert Story School. With more than 30 students involved in the school’s Green Team, students led energy-saving strategies like unplugging devices, turning off lights, and powering down non-essential equipment. These actions ultimately reduced energy use by 7,589 kWh, achieving 5.40% in overall energy savings.

A big part of their success came from a strong student delegation. The Green Team divided tasks and assigned challenges to members. Students promoted awareness through morning announcements, posters, and presentations to staff and parents. They even took a field trip to the Milwaukee Public Museum, where they learned about the facility’s use of solar panels to offset energy use. Green Team members analyzed energy trends using their e-gauge system and discovered lighting throughout the building was their biggest energy draw.

“It was incredible to watch our students take ownership of the challenge and lead real change in our school,” said Tina Gleason, Green Team Teacher at Golda Meir. “They learned how to analyze energy data and identify high impact actions and engaged the entire school community.”

Golda Meir continues to build on its sustainability legacy as a Green & Healthy School and U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School.

McFarland High School

This win marks McFarland High School’s third victory in the Renew Our Schools Challenge, evidence of the strength and mentorship focus of its EcoClub. The team comprises a mix of grades who meet regularly to drive environmental impact inside and outside the school.

During the challenge, four seniors, who had previously participated, mentored the younger students and delegated responsibilities within the group. Students conducted lighting audits throughout the school, facilitated energy-saving presentations, and concentrated on turning off unused lights and electronics, resulting in a savings of 7,632 kWh of energy and a reduction in usage by 7.05%.

They explored real-world waste management on a virtual tour of Dane County’s Landfill, run by the Department of Waste and Renewables. They also secured a grant from KEEP to install a solar panel in a classroom window, which will charge phones and equipment and give students a hands-on example of renewable energy.

“Our EcoClub students are passionate, forward-thinking, and action-oriented,” said Wendy Pliska, Eco Club Advisor. “They are not just learning about climate change—they are driving real solutions beyond the classroom.”

The EcoClub also advocates for long-term change with a Sustainability Resolution that addresses future building projects, classroom waste reduction, access to climate education, and collaborative district-wide planning. They lead community cleanups, Earth Day education for elementary students, and creative initiatives like a pumpkin pickup composting fundraiser.

Other participants in the Spring 2025 challenge included: 

• Albert Story School
• Amherst Middle School
• Bay View Middle School
• Birchwood STEAM and Career Academy
• Eagleville Elementary Charter School
• Elcho School District
• Evansville High School
• Kromrey Middle School
• Northland Lutheran High School
• Riverdale Elementary School
• SAGES School of Agriculture

Together, these schools saved 89,244 kWh over the five-week competition and prevented 157,351 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.

“Focus on Energy is proud to support schools across Wisconsin in the Renew Our Schools Challenge,” said Heather Feigum, Program Manager at Focus on Energy. “What we saw from Golda Meir and McFarland High School is exactly what this program is about—students using data and collaboration to lead meaningful energy-saving efforts. These young leaders are building a more sustainable future for their schools and communities.”

Wisconsin schools are preparing for the Fall 2025 challenge. Learn more about the competition by visiting focusonenergy.com/renewourschools.