HALL COUNTY, Ga. -- West Hall High School is the latest recipient of $500 from 11Alive and the NBC News Education Nation initiative.

The school received the money for its Habitat High program, which gives students from all six Hall County high schools the opportunity to participate in Habitat for Humanity.

While they build the houses, students also learn valuable skills that will come in handy when they enter the workforce after graduation.

11Alive education reporter Donna Lowry presented Habitat High representatives with the $500 check Tuesday morning.

HALL COUNTY, Ga. -- The Hall County school system is adding 20 buses powered by liquefied petroleum gas, or propane.

The vehicles are scheduled to hit the streets by early May, making Hall County one of the first school systems in the South to use propane-fueled buses.

Officials say they expect the buses to save money on fuel costs.

Jewel Armour, executive director of operations for Hall County Schools, says the system now pays around $3.50 per gallon for diesel fuel, including delivery fees and taxes. With propane, the total cost is expected to be about $2 per gallon or less.

Atlanta - This week (March 5-9) is officially Clean Commute Week, where the Clean Air Campaign challenges K-12 schools across the state to raise "awareness of clean commute options and to explore ways to reduce the number of idling cars in school zones."  
Monday - Ride the Bus
Tuesday- Bike or ride a scooter
Wednesday- Georgia Walk to School Day
Thursday- Carpool
Friday- Commute using any clean mode

 

The week is designed to provide Georgia schools with a platform to share the benefits of commute alternatives with their school communities and highlight clean transportation, including bus riding, biking, walking, carpooling and no idling.  These options help reduce smog-forming emissions that come from vehicle tailpipes. Schools can choose one or more green travel methods to promote throughout the week.