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September 13, 2006– The School in Rose Valley (SRV), a private, progressive preschool through sixth grade near Media, opened the doors this fall to a newly renovated 'green' facility, housing three preschool programs and the multi-age third and fourth grade classes. Faculty, parents and students alike celebrated this latest sustainable effort and the School's fourth major recent renovation project in time for the beginning of the new school year.

The Rawson Building, named for The School in Rose Valley's first woodshop teacher Mr. Edward Rawson, was built in 1952 with an addition in 1962. The building, in need of updated electrical, plumbing, and heating systems as well as improved classroom space, is the latest example of the School's commitment to sustainable practices with the incorporation of environmentally friendly design and construction techniques.

The exterior of the building boasts fiber-cement siding that resists rotting and is a noncombustible substitute for wood. The exterior recycled wood trim is "harvested" from old barns, homes, mills and other structures. Other recycled materials were used for plastic lumber decking, fiber glass insulation, plastic laminate, and even the nails and fasteners for construction. Interior finishes, such as paint and sustainably harvested cork flooring, are zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) materials which give off low odor, contain no dyes or artificial colors from the manufacturing process, and have no ozone depleting chemicals. The utilization of Energy Star efficient appliances, motion sensor switches, infrared sensor faucets, and vapor barrier electrical boxes conserve both energy and fiscal resources.

The environmentally sustainable design of the building, its building materials and construction techniques, have all been incorporated into the School's curriculum, and the building is now used as a 'teaching building.' To further educate students about sustainability and construction, clear 'portals' or windows into the ceiling, walls, and floors were designed so the children can see what the building looks like on the inside and what materials and methods were used to build it, providing a comprehensive, first-hand understanding of how the building 'works'.

The School in Rose Valley is proud to add this latest renovation to other sustainable efforts on campus such as its award-winning multi-purpose building, The Grace Rotzel Center, the Organic Garden and Learning Center, and a curriculum that includes hands-on experiences for children in recycling, composting, sustainable agriculture, creek restoration and more.

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