Lake County Gazette

Lake Forest Schools have announced that the Deer Path Middle School Green Team secured third place in the Illinois Green Schools Project for their rain barrel water conservation initiative.

According to Lake Forest Schools, twenty students from Deer Path Middle School, with support from staff including Mr. Dunn and his facilities team and funding from an Illinois Green Schools Project (IGSP) Mini Grant, installed two rain barrels. These barrels were placed at strategic locations—one by the 5/6 entrance and another near the courtyard—to collect rainwater for use in the school’s vegetable garden and planters. This sustainable approach is expected to conserve up to 5,760 gallons of potable water and save over $50 in utility costs each season. Additionally, it aims to reduce runoff, minimize pollutants in local waterways, and prevent erosion. The Green Team is already planning a third barrel and exploring further eco-initiatives such as a living wall and solar panels.

Deer Path Middle School is situated in Lake Forest, Illinois, serving approximately 746 students across grades 5 through 8. The school operates from two offices: East for grades 5/6 and West for grades 7/8. It offers a variety of academic programs, support services, and extracurricular activities.

The Illinois Green Schools Project (IGSP) is structured into three stages that guide schools through planning, executing, and celebrating sustainability initiatives. In Stage One, schools utilize a detailed Sustainability Workbook with assistance from a dedicated mentor to assess current practices and outline feasible projects. Stage Two emphasizes implementation with guidance from Illinois Green staff and volunteer coordination. Upon submission of a project report, schools advance to Stage Three where they receive recognition through certificates, case studies, and celebration events.

Lake Forest School District 67 serves around 1,600 students in grades Pre-K through 8. The district encompasses three elementary schools—Cherokee Elementary (K-4), Everett Elementary (K-4), Sheridan Elementary (Pre-K-4)—and Deer Path Middle School (5-8). Known for its innovative instructional practices, District 67 focuses on inclusive education and personalized learning experiences that support academic growth along with social-emotional development. The district’s mission is to inspire students to maximize growth while cultivating respect for others within a dynamic learning environment.