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Lt. Governor Pat Quinn celebrates Focus the Nation, joins with students and teachers to launch the first-ever Illinois Sustainable Schools Compact

(Chicago) � In honor of Focus the Nation Day � a national teach-in to encourage countrywide dialogue about global warming solutions � Lt. Governor Pat Quinn will launch the first-ever Illinois Sustainable Schools Compact with students, teachers and administrators from six Illinois learning institutions that are leading the charge toward a greener Illinois.

On Thursday, Jan. 31, at 1:30 p.m., Lt. Governor Pat Quinn will introduce the Illinois Sustainable Schools Compact at a news conference in the 15^th floor Blue Room of the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph Street in Chicago, where he will be joined by students and representatives of six schools who will sign the compact, becoming the first of many to commit to teaching a new green way of thinking.

The first members of the Illinois Sustainable Schools Compact are:

�         Albany Park Multicultural Academy, Chicago

�         Carl Schurz High School, Chicago

�         Notre Dame High School, Niles

�         Science and Arts Academy, Des Plaines

�         St. Agnes of Bohemia, Chicago

�         UNO Charter School Network, Chicago

�We want to salute the students, teachers and administrators who are committing to making green learning a top priority by signing the Illinois Sustainable Schools Compact,� Quinn said.  �We encourage every school in the Land of Lincoln to set an example for schools and organizations across the nation by signing on.�

Modeled after the successful Illinois Sustainable University Compact, the voluntary Illinois Sustainable Schools compact is open to all elementary and secondary schools in Illinois and sets out 12 achievable sustainability objectives, including conserving energy, encouraging recycling and practicing sustainable ground maintenance. 

Lt. Governor Quinn is chairman of the Green Governments Coordinating Council, which is charged with developing green polices that reduce pollution, promote conservation, and incorporate green policies into government operations.  The council also provides guidance and assistance to Illinois schools implementing the Green Cleaning Schools Act, which requires all elementary and secondary schools in Illinois to purchase environmentally sensitive cleaning supplies.

Focus the Nation is an educational initiative culminating on Jan. 31 in nationwide conferences, symposia and discussions to address global warming.  Illinois schools, universities, clubs, congregations and organizations are participating through various educational events throughout the state.