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| Interact With Green Schools Online! | |
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| Greetings! | |
Yes, there is still lots of snow on the ground, there could be more on the way, and spring just seems so far away... but, we all should "think GREEN" despite looking at white everywhere.
Looking forward to spring and nicer weather our calendar is filling up, and we hope many of you are able to participate in the many environmental fairs and school events we are partnering with in the coming months. Some of our biggest events of the year are during the spring, and we've tried to give you a brief calendar in this newsletter in hopes of seeing you all there.
We also recognize that implementing Green Projects within your school can be costly, thus we've also provided you with information on some grant and scholarship fundiing available to you or and your students.
Enjoy our Winter Newsletter! |
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GREEN SCHOOLS SUMMIT- April 29th at Mansfield High School |
The Green Schools Summit is held each year to educate students, teachers, and community members about environmental topics including: Waste Management, The 3 R's, Health & Wellness, Conservation, Clean Energy, The Environment, Green Jobs, Green Technology, and Climate Change.
The Green Schools Summit will include:
-Honored Panel of Environmental Experts with a distinguished Keynote Speaker
-Breakout sessions with environmental workshops that are interactive and based on a variety of topics
-Student Assembly...(Topic to be determined)
-Environmental Education Fair
-See Green Features within the Green School
-LIVE MUSIC.... that's green of course!
-NEW: Environmental competitions
-AWARDS: These awards will be based on competitions [Green Difference Awards are also available].
We have a fantastic lineup of ENVIRONMENTAL SPEAKERS and WORKSHOPS. To be announced soon. Be sure to save this date!
Registration will be available through our website in early March. |
| GREEN DIfference AWARDS Nominations are Due ! | |
It is that time of year to again make nominations for 2011 Green Difference Awards... all nominations need to be submitted before April 30th.
 
Nominate a: Principal, Teacher, Advisor, School, Student, School Group/Organization, and Business.
Awards will be given in the following areas:
Outstanding Green School
Outstanding Green Leader(s)
Outstanding Commitment to Environmental Education
Outstanding Environmental Efforts led by students
Outstanding Practices in the areas of Green Cleaning
Outstanding Practices/Policies in Being Green & Healthy
Outstanding Efforts in the areas of Waste Management
Outstanding Environmental Lesson
Outstanding Environmental Project
Outstanding Environmental Art
2010 Green Difference Award Winners
To make a nomination for a 2011 Green Difference Award go to the link below:
2011 Green Difference Award Nomination Form
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| Grant Award Opportunities for your School or Yourself !! | |
Below is a list of just some of the programs available to help your school fund environmental and sustainability programs, or to fund your college education.
Disney Friends for Change Grants (Deadline: March 10)
YSA (Youth Service America), together with Disney, is now accepting applications from youth around the world for the Disney Friends for Change Grants. The grant funds youth-led service projects that focus on making environmentally friendly changes and engage youth on Global Youth Service Day, April 15-17. The Disney Friends for Change program will award 50 $500 grants to youth-led service projects around the world that demonstrate youth leadership, creativity, and the commitment to making a positive impact on the environment. Applicants must be between the ages of 5-25 and be associated with a school or organization. Applications are due March 10.
Learn more at: Youth Service America Grant
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Are You or Do You Know a Student Activist?
Are you organizing for progressive social change? Leading student movements on your campus or in your community? If so, read on.
The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund has applications available for student activists who are building progressive movements for social change and will be enrolled in school during the 2011-12 academic year. Our website provides answers to questions about the Fund, the application process, and the students we support. If you know of students working for peace and justice, or if you have a list of activist contacts, please send this announcement along and refer potential applicants to the Scholarship Fund APPLICATION
Since 1961 the Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund has provided need-based grants to students who are involved in building movements for social and economic justice and are able to do academic work at the college level. Grantees are both graduates and undergraduates enrolled in accredited schools for the period covered by their grant. Although citizenship is not a consideration, applicants must be participating in activities in the US and plan to enroll in an accredited program in the US in order to qualify.
The maximum grant is $10,000 and may be considerably smaller depending on the applicant's circumstances and the funding available. All the funds come from individual donors and there are 25-30 grants awarded each year. Grants are for one year although students may re-apply for subsequent years.
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Last year nearly 150,000 teens took the lead in eco-action by greening their schools. This year's goal: 225,000! Help us make that happen.
The Green Your School Challenge launches TODAY! Get started planning your projects. Upload projects to your school profile page by April 1 for a chance to win. The schools with the most students involved, most innovative projects and best use of technology, and biggest impact will win up to $5000 in grant funding and up to 5 HP DM1 laptops. Got questions? Email: green@dosomething.org
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| National Healthy Schools Day - Monday April 11th |   National Healthy Schools Day is a great day for everyone to celebrate and promote healthy and green indoor school environments for all children and staff. For more than five years parents, personnel, advocates, and agencies have held National Healthy Schools Day activities nationwide to highlight the importance of clean indoor air in schools. Whether you are at the beginning stages of investigating issues or have an established Indoor Air Quality( IAQ )program, we invite you to create an activity that educates others and celebrates your successes. Need Help? Check out the National Healthy Schools Day website to find activity suggestions and tools, informational conference call sign-ups, and much more. Already have an activity planned? REGISTER today online to put School IAQ on the Map! National Healthy Schools Website |
| The Richard C. Bartlett Award for Middle School Teachers |
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"Positive solutions to achieve a sustainable planet begin in the classroom with teachers...who are true leaders in education."
--Richard C. Bartlett
About the Award
The Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award, made possible through the generous support of Baxter Healthercare Corporation, was established in 2007 by the National Environmental Education Foundation to distinguish the teachers who best represent Richard C. Bartlett's passion for and leadership in environmental education. For more than 40 years, Richard C. Bartlett has been inspiring environmental educators nationwide. While serving as president and CEO of Mary Kay, the company received numerous environmental awards. Mr. Bartlett serves on the board of a number of environmental organizations, including the Nature Conservancy, the National Council on Science and the Environment, the Aldo Leopold Foundation and the Center for Big Bend Studies. He is cofounder of the Thinking Like a Mountain Foundation, which offers grants to "thinkers and artists" in residence at an environmental ethics resources center, library and observatory in Texas.
The Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award is given annually to an outstanding middle or high school teacher who successfully integrates environmental education into their curriculum and engages students in interdisciplinary solutions to environmental challenges. The award recognizes an educator who can serve as an inspiration and model for others.
The 2011 Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award will go to a middle school teacher, which includes grades 5-8. Because middle and high school teachers face different challenges in teaching high quality environmental education, the award alternates between middle and high school teachers each year.
The Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award winner will receive $5,000 and two merit winners will receive $750 each. The award will be announced during Teacher Appreciation Week, the first week in May 2011.
Nominations for the Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award are due March 14, 2011.
To learn more about Mr. Bartlett and the Award, or submit an application:
Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award
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| A Busy Spring Calendar for Green Schools Programs! | | Green Schools Summit[for schools across MA...approx. 1,200 students and teachers from 25 schools]... April 29th @ Mansfield High Schools
March 17th- Think Green-Go Green-Act Green Environmental Fair - Memorial School, Upton, MA;
6-9 PM
April 15th- Green Schools Summit[Woburn High School ONLY...approx. 1,400 students and teachers from Woburn schools
April 23rd- Earth Day /Arbor Day at Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary: 10-2pm
April ?? (check the website for exact date) Wellness Fair in Partnership with Green Schools, Eastham, MA (Eastham Elementary School): 5-7pm
April 30th- Hopkinton Green Expo, Hopkinton Town Common (at High School Gym in case of rain): 10-3
Additional events including The Green Difference Awards are being scheduled, so be sure to check back on the website for up to date information.
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| Green Rockers and Green School Ambassadors to be Honored at Mass State House - March 4th |
It is with great pleasure that I get to announce that the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture would like to:
Recognize and honor The Green Schools Student Ambassadors + Green Rockers [35 students from across New England] for Their Commitment to Environmental Stewardship.
Please join us on Beacon Hill to recognize these students for their contributions to environmental excellence.
When: March 4th, 10:30-11:30
Where: State House, Nurses Hall
A continental breakfast will be provided for our guests/honorees.
Congratulations on a job well done! |
| Corporate Sponsor CORNER: ThinkLite |
About Us
ThinkLite LLC is a Massachusetts based green lighting firm that specializes in commercial lighting.
The company and its members strive to help individuals adapt green technology in their everyday lives by eliminating the risk and initial costs associated with such an upgrade. In doing so, our customers help the environment by reducing energy consumption and mercury pollution all while saving money.
ThinkLite achieves this by:
- Educating bill payers about electrical expenditures and savings potential.
- Providing a concept to completion and beyond service including analysis, product provision, installation, maintenance, warranties, guarantees, and recycling; at no upfront cost.
- Maximizing energy savings by using the best and most effective products according to longevity, efficiency, lighting intensity and most importantly, aesthetic appeal for specific usage needs and wants.
- Reducing electric bill for restaurants, homes, and businesses while helping the environment and maintaining the comfort and aesthetic appeal associated with their current lighting conditions.
- Allowing for clients to enjoy their new lighting and associated savings within one month after the initial analysis.
- Receiving compensation for the services rendered by ThinkLite strictly as a proportion of the monthly savings generated for the client.
For more information on SolSolution we encourage you visit their website at:
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Thanks much to all of you who support Green Schools with your generosity and time...
We have assembled a good team from our Board of Directors to help drive additional funding and with grant requests, corporate sponsorship programs, and additional fund raising ideas, we will continue to be able to offer these beneficial educational programs.
Thanks again to our corporate supporters, who not only have assisted with funding, but also offer advice and volunteer in many ways.
Our newest business sponsors who we graciously thank for their support and efforts to making schools and our world a safer place:
Sincerely,
Robin Organ Founder and Executive Director
Green Schools
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