Westbrook is a small rural grade one to eight school in Alberta, with a student population of approximately 150. For the past six years, this school has embraced the “Green School” concept.  Partnered with the community and the Rocky View School Division, this approach is as follows: philosophically, the school is partnered with the Morley Native Elders to expose our young students to the environmental teachings of the Nakoda tradition.  Elders work with students in the school to become environmental stewards and have done so for two years.  Practically, the school grounds, as well as the building areas embody environmental responsibility. Naturalized playground areas, such as hills and tree groves, create endless possibilities for play and imagination. The native plantings include a shelterbelt, a legacy garden, outdoor classroom areas and a vegetable garden.  An annual garden exists for students to plant flowers.  Further, drought resistant plants have been planted to conserve on water.  These areas generate a plethora of opportunities for hands on learning where the curriculum comes alive.  Water conservation is an important component to the school mandate.  Low-flush toilets and water flow mechanisms on the faucets have been installed.  Energy conservation is also an important component to the school’s mandate.  The school’s hot water is heated through solar energy.  Students have also embarked upon a composting initiative with organic material.  The Future plans include solar power generated pumping system connected to a rain barrel that will be used to water the various gardens.  The school also believes that sharing these initiatives is important.  With this in mind, a large portion of the Westbrook website is dedicated to our environmental initiatives so that other schools and communities may learn from our journey.