Schools in Ohio Want Kids to Get Energy Smart 37 schools already using energy education program in the classroom

CINCINNATI - Earlier this year, Duke Energy, in partnership with Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, launched an energy efficiency program targeting Ohio’s third- and fourth-grade students and their families.

In less than two months, 37 schools are participating in the free Get Energy Smart education program within the Duke Energy Ohio service area, and more than 1,400 students and their families are performing an energy survey of their own homes, which creates a personalized energy report for each participating family.

After students and their families complete the survey, they receive a free energy efficiency starter kit containing information and energy-saving items that can lower their family’s overall energy bill.

Duke Energy and Scholastic have developed and distributed this integrated classroom program to teachers in Duke Energy’s Ohio service area and hope to eventually expand to Duke’s five-state service territory.

The Get Energy Smart program takes kids on an exciting journey through the science of energy, with the help of Ms. Frizzle and The Magic School Bus™, Scholastic’s well-known and much-loved science series for kids. Based on Ohio academic state standards, this program helps children and families experience science in a fun new way.

“Helping to engage kids to be active learners and citizens in their communities is something we at Scholastic strive to do every day,” said Ann Amstutz Hayes, vice president of Scholastic InSchool. “We are excited to be working with Duke Energy to help classrooms and families throughout Ohio become energy smart.”

Get Energy Smart provides classroom materials, tools, and online resources that educate teachers, students and families on ways to better manage their energy usage. Some key features include interactive classroom lessons and activities, home energy surveys that help families assess their energy usage while managing costs, and distribution of free energy saver items like compact fluorescent light bulbs.

At Springmyer Elementary in Cincinnati, teacher Kelly Moorman reported great success in tying the practical program information to the classroom’s curriculum. “The Get Energy Smart Program is absolutely imperative for today’s generation of students. Learning to conserve energy and appreciate the world around us can only instill a sense of pride in each student who participates in this program… Springmyer Elementary is proud to say that we are striving to conserve energy… I thank Duke Energy and Scholastic Inc. for sponsoring such a beneficial program.”

Because educators are always searching for a way to help students wrap learning in with their daily life experiences, The Get Energy Smart Ohio program has quickly been praised by area schools.

Get Energy Smart is a key component of Duke Energy’s Save-A-Watt energy efficiency strategy that was approved in December 2008 as part of the company’s Electric Security Plan (ESP) settlement agreement in Ohio.

To schedule a student presentation, teacher workshop or PTA/PTO event, schools should contact Michelle White at energysmartOH@scholastic.com. For more information about Get Energy Smart or other programs, visit www.scholastic.com/energysmart or www.duke-energy.com/kidswithenergy.

Duke Energy is the third largest electric power holding company in the United States, based on kilowatt-hour sales. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 4 million customers located in five states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky -- representing a population of approximately 11 million people. Duke Energy’s commercial power and international business segments operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: www.duke-energy.com.

Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books and a leader in educational technology and children’s media. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children’s books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. Scholastic distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs and school-based book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, television networks and the Company’s Internet site, www.scholastic.com.