Elementary students build sustainable habits through peer led lessons in LWSD Extended Day

Lake Washington School District (LWSD) is advancing its integrated sustainability commitment by giving elementary students hands‑on opportunities to learn and practice sustainable habits during the Extended Day program on Wednesday afternoons in January and February. The lessons are led by Rishi Khante, a North Creek High School student from the neighboring Northshore School District, who founded Access4All, a nonprofit focused on introducing environmental education early so that sustainable behaviors become part of school culture.

Through interactive activities on clean water, ecosystems, climate responsibility and conservation, students explore how everyday choices at school and at home can reduce waste and protect natural resources. The peer‑to‑peer format is designed to make concepts concrete for younger learners, helping them try simple actions they can repeat over time.

Collaboration that strengthens student voice and sustainability
Rishi piloted his Access4All lessons with LWSD Extended Day sites and partnered with staff to tailor sessions for elementary audiences. So far, sustainability presentations have been hosted at Lakeview, Frost, Keller, Rockwell and Rose Hill elementary schools, where students and site teams reported strong engagement and practical takeaways.

This partnership aligns with LWSD’s Integrated Sustainability commitment by:

• Embedding sustainability in daily routines through early habit formation
• Elevating student voice and leadership with peer facilitators
• Connecting classroom learning to community impact with actions that students can practice immediately