DHS Water Project Installs Rainwater Harvesting System

DEERFIELD, IL — A ceremony celebrating the kickoff of Deerfield High School's new rainwater harvesting project was held Wednesday afternoon, including remarks from District 113 Superintendent of Schools Christopher Dignam, Consul General of Israel to the Midwest Aviv Ezra, rainwater harvesting system inventor Amir Yechieli and recognition of student and staff leaders. All attendees also visited the site of the DHS Harvesting System.

Deerfield High School is one of only five installations in the United States. The program, which was developed by Dr. Yechieli in Jerusalem, has been installed in over 150 schools in Israel, in communities in Kenya, and in San Diego and New Jersey.

Deerfield High School students raised funds for the Water Project through the sale of reusable water bottles and through Jam for Justice. A Danceumentary was also created by the Mindful Movement class to advertise the event.

The DHS Water Project is a prime example of STEAM education in local schools. Featured in the most recent issue of the school's STEAM Press publication, it is about more than collecting rainwater. The Water Project is about educating students and the greater community about water and water conservation. It creates opportunities for interdisciplinary studies.

DHS science classes will study rainwater, its engineering classes will design and install the systems, its social studies and English classes will use water conservation as topics for composing articles and policies and special education students will develop practical skills in gardening and maintenance. Plus, art and dance students were leaders in advertising and raising awareness for the project by creating educational displays in the building and other promotional materials.

Deerfield High School announced pride in students and staff who have committed to this authentic learning opportunity over the past year.

» via Township High School District 113

_{Top photo: Students set up the DHS rainwater harvesting system | Courtesy District 113}