At Nettelhorst, we’re always learning new ways to care for our environment. We actively participate in “green” events, like Waste Not Wednesday when our sixth graders did a daily trash audit for an entire week.

We also participated in Celebrate Earth Hour. And we were one of the first Chicago public schools to have a Healthy Eating Program, so we also learn about keeping our bodies healthy.

If you haven’t seen our wonderful outdoor artwork on Melrose, you’re missing a treat. Everything is constructed from recycled elements. Our bicycle tree is made of old bicycle parts. Our “glitter tree” is shiny and silvery and beautiful. Made from a donated dead tree limb, it’s decorated with recycled items and birdfeeders (also recycled). Not only is it a treat for people walking through our neighborhood, but it’s a gathering place for hungry birds.