Hulstrom Green Team powers energy awareness

A crowded classroom filled with students seated at desks, engaged in various activities and discussions.

Feb 2 2026

In the fall, Hulstrom K–8 participated in a five-week national energy challenge called Renew Our Schools. Renew Our Schools is an excellent opportunity to engage students and staff with a fun conservation competition focused on responsible energy use.

Members of the Green Team energized the building by educating classmates about smart energy use and monitoring classrooms to track real-time conservation efforts. Their teamwork helped spark awareness and friendly competition throughout the school. Winning classes included:

1st Prize - Ms. Dean's Fifth Grade Class

2nd Prize - Ms. VanAuken's Fourth Grade Class

A group of students, both boys and girls, are gathered in a classroom setting, with various educational posters and materials visible in the background.

3rd Prize - Ms. Holmquist's Fourth Grade Class

A group of enthusiastic young students, some with their arms raised, posing together in a classroom setting with various educational materials and displays visible in the background.

Participating schools use an energy monitoring system (eGauge) to track electricity use and discover the impact of no-cost actions to conserve energy. Students shared that they made sure to unplug all unused appliances and equipment when not needed and only used overhead lighting when necessary.