California Idle-Free Schools

The U.S. EPA states: "Idling vehicles contribute to air pollution and emit air toxins, which are pollutants known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects. Monitoring at schools has shown elevated levels of benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and other air toxics during the afternoon hour coinciding with parents picking up their children. Children’s lungs are still developing, and when they are exposed to elevated levels of these pollutants, children have an increased risk of developing asthma, respiratory problems and other adverse health effects. Limiting a vehicle’s idling time can dramatically reduce these pollutants and children’s exposure to them."

 

Idle-Free Schools campaigns

 

Idle-Free Schools campaigns address the issue of idling “hot spots” at many schools, for instance when parents pick up students in afternoon pick up areas (California regulates the idling of school buses and other heavy-duty vehicles at or near schools; light-duty vehicles are not regulated).

 

A CIFS project is tailored for middle school* science, math, STEM, health, and environmental teachers and their students to conduct idle-free campaigns. The presentation resources below include a 40-45 minute PowerPoint and videos explaining what idling is, the benefits in avoiding it, and campaign steps, along with handouts for students and teacher toolkit. These campaigns are offered in two levels of commitment: long-term efforts and short-term efforts.

 

A long-term effort is actually a measurable study and

 campaign combined. It can span part to most of a school year with a student-led study of unobtrusive data collection, schools announcing support of an idle-free campaign in the school community, a student-led driver contact event, and final data collection to determine a difference.

 

A short-term effort is strictly a campaign. It is simpler and though not measurable, still effective in making a difference. It can span as little as one month with schools disseminating information in the school community on the benefits of avoiding idling, followed by a student-led driver contact event.

 

PROJECT DETAILS AND RESOURCES BELOW.

 

NOTE: Parents/parent clubs/PTOs are encouraged to participate!

 

In addition to the benefits in idling reduction these efforts provide:

1. students learn organizational, analytical and communication skills as they perform data analysis, are empowered by showing drivers the significant benefits in shutting off engines when parked, and take pride in making a positive difference in their school community.

2. motorists learning of the benefits potentially apply them beyond schools.

 

To help sustain either of these efforts, schools or school districts in proceeding years are strongly encouraged to remind the school community about the benefits in idle reduction several times each year, and to consider adopting policies, procedures, or handbook rules that limit idling on school grounds.

 

*While middle school students are at the ideal age to conduct these campaigns, they can also be conducted by high school students or, with more staff input, 5th and 6th graders.

IDLE-FREE SCHOOLS CAMPAIGNS RESOURCES

 

The California Idle-Free Schools initiative includes resources below. Schools are welcome to download these resources, allowing teachers to implement these efforts on their own.

 

For campaigners and teacher toolkit:

• Initial training session suggested PowerPoint: can be tailored

   from Sacramento County Idle-Free Schools PowerPoint

• How to conduct observations/measuring*

• Observation/measuring form*

• Analyzing the data*

• Format for calculating data*

• How to conduct driver contact event

• Suggested script for driver contact event

• Driver contact event flyer handouts

• "turn your key be idle free" window cling decals

*Long-term effort only

 

For school administrators:

• School template: campaign newsletter announcement

• School template: letter to parents

• School template: pledge for parents

• School template: letter to delivery companies

• School template: letter to teachers and staff

• School template: no-idling policy

• School template: no-idling procedure

• No Idling Signs: one or two 12" x 18" or 15" x 21"

   aluminum - suggested templates

California Idle-Free Schools Toolkit

LONG-TERM EFFORT: IDLING MEASURABLE STUDY & CAMPAIGN COMBINED

 

Step 1: in fall or early winter, initial training session conducted by teacher in the classroom, or by college level intern via video. All campaign materials (handouts, decals, and anti-idling signs) shipped to teachers.

 

Step 2*: in fall or early winter, students unobtrusively conduct four-day study of initial data collection of idling vehicles during afternoon dismissal, utilizing note-taking and timing devices.

NOTE: It is essential that participating students begin their observations at least 15 minutes prior to official dismissal.

OPTIONAL: supplemental data collection utilizing a school's CO2 or CO gas sensor, or other emissions analyzer and compatible interface.

 

Step 3: following initial study, school announces support for idle-free campaign in school community, including a notice in school newsletter and website, and optionally letter and pledge to parents and delivery companies. See "For school administrators" below for support resources.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: schools obtain and install one to two no idling signs in strategic areas. Sign templates

 

Step 4: in mid to late winter, students conduct two-day driver contact event, reaching out to idling drivers with information handout and idle-free window decal, asking them to take no-idling pledge. Campaigners create idle-free posters to display at event. SUGGESTION: seek TV, radio, print and/or social media coverage by working with school district's communications office.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: for safety purposes, students, who will be walking amongst cars in pick up areas, should wear safety vests.

 

Step 5*: in early spring, Step 2 is repeated. The difference between before and after data collection is then calculated to determine a difference and the effects of student's educational efforts.

 

*NOTE: to determine a true data set, it is important to conduct initial and final data collections in similar temperature ranges.

 

SHORT-TERM EFFORT: CAMPAIGN

Full educational value of long-term efforts without measuring

 

Step 1: anytime before late winter, initial training session as in long-term effort.

 

Step 2: following initial training session, school disseminates information in the school community on the benefits of avoiding idling; obtaining and installing no idling signs strongly recommended as above.

 

Step 3: within two weeks, driver contact event as in Step 4 above.

Video #1

"It's Not Cool to Idle at School"

(car racing sound at end of video edited out on presented video)

 

Video #2

Dr. Gerald S. Davis Idle-Free Talk

 

Video #3

U.S. EPA Region 8 Idle Free Schools Toolkit for a Healthy School Environment

The Idle-Free Schools campaign is closely modeled on THIS video and is an important component of the initial training session (Step 1)