Kutztown Middle School students planted trees and shrubs around their school this week.

“In order to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Life Science long-term substitute teacher Matthew Esser, Kutztown.

The 106 seventh graders planted trees around the school building that will grow to be about 20 feet tall to help insulate the building so the brick will not heat up during the summer and reduce cooling expenses. During fall, the leaves will drop and allow the brick to heat up, reducing heating expenses.