A new year always marks a new chapter. For a dozen elementary schools in B.C., it marks the beginning of a program about air quality and our health; the first of its kind in Canada.

The Air Quality Flag Program is unique – developed to teach elementary students in B.C. about air quality and how to monitor it, along with suggested actions on protecting health when the air quality is poor.

Students are now setting up their flag poles as they prepare to report the air quality in their community. The program allows participating schools  to raise an air quality flag corresponding to the day’s Air Quality Health Index.

Finding a specific location for the flag pole has been a fun exercise for participating classes — children are trying to determine where the Air Quality Flag will receive the most attention. Meanwhile, teachers have shown our short, informative video and have added air quality activities to their lesson plans. To our participating schools, congratulations on starting 2014 off by learning something new!

Glynn