As the Orcas Montessori School celebrates its 25th year of providing early childhood education to Orcas youth, its staff, board and parents have their sights set on the future.

Thanks to grant funding from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation and OPALCO, the Orcas Montessori School will install a photovoltaic solar system this summer and will be providing clean energy to the community and engaging youth in the science and benefits of green power.

“The ‘Solar4RSchools’ program at Bonneville is a great match for the Montessori education system,” said School Director Teresa Chocano. “In addition to helping us implement renewable energy at our facility, the program includes hands-on learning tools such as solar ovens and cars, stimulating interest in science and helping the children discover the responsibilities and joys of community they help create.”

Installation of the system will be conducted by local contractors, selected after a bid process managed by Bonneville Environmental Foundation.

“It’s really exciting to see this renewable energy educational project coming together,” said Tina Whitman, a parent and board member.

A team of staff and parents are donating time and expertise to complete the necessary facility upgrades this spring so the solar system can go up before the start of school in the fall.

“We do still need to raise additional funds to meet the match requirements of our grant and replace our aging roof but we are hopeful that we can find interested supporters in the community to help us meet the remaining needs of this significant project,” Whitman.

For more information, call the school at 376-5350.