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International School of Louisiana to be a “Green Seed School”

President Mikhail Gorbachev announces next phase of Global Green, USA’s Rebuilding Initiative

(New Orleans) – October 5, 2007 – President Mikhail Gorbachev announced today that the International School of Louisiana (ISL) has been chosen to receive a Global Green, USA grant of $75,000 for energy savings upgrades to their Coliseum Square campus.

“We are honored to be a part of Global Green’s initiative to build a sustainable, ecological, and Green New Orleans” said ISL’s Head of School, Sean Wilson. “With our shared vision of community responsibility, we commit to this exciting opportunity; working with Global Green to make a lasting impression on the way our students value their world and its many assets.”

After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Global Green, USA made a dedicated commitment to sustainable building in New Orleans. That commitment has been expressed through the building of zero energy affordable housing in the Ninth Ward and a major program to green New Orleans schools.

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Green schools have been proven to increase student test scores by more than 25 percent according to independently published articles in the American School Board Journal and the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities. Natural sunlight and cleaner air combine to keep students healthier, happier and more focused in the classroom.

ISL lost its original facilities in Katrina’s floodwaters and in 2006 was granted a lease on the old Andrew Jackson School building at Coliseum Square. A former Orleans Parish school, built in the 1930s, ISL’s campus has received an energy audit that lays the groundwork for greening.

This award and visit by Mr. Gorbachev recognized the school’s commitment to teach students to respect and value the world’s diverse communities and cultures. “By implementing energy efficient and sustainable practices, we are able to provide our students with tangible examples of global awareness and responsibility” remarked Wilson.

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About ISL

The International School of Louisiana (ISL) is a tuition-free public charter school that emphasizes an awareness of the global community with respect for its variety of people and cultures. At ISL, all core classes are taught in Spanish or French by native speaking teachers. With its language immersion program, ISL prepares students for the diverse and challenging work and marketplace of the 21st century. The mission of ISL is to provide a challenging education emphasizing French and Spanish language immersion, international awareness, the celebration of diversity, and community responsibility. School website: www.isl-edu.org