As seen in a recent press release. 

Last July, twenty school children, ages 10 - 17, staged a brave news conference outside a storm-ravaged school. They called themselves Rethink, short for Kids Rethink New Orleans' Schools. Their message to administrators: We want a voice in rebuilding the school system. After all, who deserves a voice more than the customers who use the schools?
 
In the year since, Rethink has completed an evaluation of the school system from the student perspective and attacked one of that system's most demoralizing problems: the disgusting condition of school bathrooms - yes, bathrooms. Frequently lacking both soap or toilet paper, they are so notoriously dirty and dangerous in some schools that kids "hold it in" all day, rather than risk a visit. With support from professional architects, Rethink has collaborated with talent from YA/YA, the inner-city guild for young artists, to design the first green public school bathroom in America.
 
Rethinkers will preside at their second annual news conference on July 20 at 10:45 am at the offices they share with YA/YA, at 2831 Marais Street, just off St. Claude Ave. in the Marigny.  At the press conference, Rethinkers will:

• Release the Rethink report evaluating New Orleans public schools from the student perspective.
 
• Unveil Rethink's design and maintenance plan for the city's first "green" public school bathroom, one that turns an emblem of disrespect for school children into a sign that New Orleans is not just catching up but outpacing other school systems in striving for excellence.
 
• Challenge New Orleans public school officials to put an end forever to filthy bathrooms in poor repair - and to think green.  RSD superintendent Paul Vallas has publicly pledged to repair bathrooms this summer.   School officials from all three public school systems have been invited to the news conference.
 
Global Green USA will participate in this news conference and is exploring the use of the students' design for a green restroom as a part of their Green Seed Schools program to reduce energy and water use in New Orleans public schools.  The Green Seed Schools initiative will provide technical assistance and resources to improve indoor air quality and improve energy and water efficiency.