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Green Schools was delighted to participate in the 1st Green Ribbon Schools Conference held at Region 1 EPA on October 5th. 

  

Green Schools is a member of the State-Wide Green Ribbon Schools Working-Group.

 

" After two year of work on the ground, I could not be happier that MA Schools are now participating in the Federal Green Ribbon Schools Awards program.  We have incredible environmental efforts being led across the Commonwealth, and it is time for our schools to be recognized, honored, and celebrated in this way." Robin Organ, Executive Director/Founder Green Schools   

 

Pictured: Lisa Capone, Department of Energy & Resources, Jessica Hing, EPA Region 1, Mike Feeney, Department of Public Health, Eric Magers, Teacher at Manchester Essex Regional School District, Robin Organ, Executive Director of Green Schools, Jim Elder, Center for Green Schools, Kevin Cellucci, Green Team President of Manchester Essex Regional High School

  

Photo taken by Green Schools

 

Green Ribbon Schools Award 

  

Launched by the U.S. Department of Education (USED) in 2011, the Green Ribbon Schools recognition honors schools that are exemplary in reducing environmental impact and costs, improving the health and wellness of students and staff, and delivering effective environmental and sustainability education that incorporates Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), civic skills, and green career pathways. This is the first year that Massachusetts is participating in the program. Technical assistance for interested schools will be available through the Executive Office Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and its agencies, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE), the Department of Public Health (DPH), the Massachusetts School Building Authority, and a working group of non-governmental agencies.

Click for additional info about this program
 

ALL SHADES OF GREEN 

Green Schools National Conference examines environmental literacy, energy efficiency, healthier food, eco-friendly purchasing and more

There are many shades of green, and they'll all be represented early next year at one of the largest national gatherings of 'green school' administrators, teachers, students and parents.

The 3rd annual Green Schools National Conference, set for Feb. 22-24, 2013, in West Palm Beach, Fl, is sponsored by the Green Schools National Network (GSNN) and has a stated goal of "developing healthy and sustainable schools across America."

Whether the topic is curriculum that advances environmental literacy and sustainability, recycling programs or organic foods on the cafeteria line, or improving indoor air quality the movement that has swept the country to include thousands of private, public, and charter schools sees the 'greening' of the nation's schools as the way to save money, improve student health and achievement -- and save the planet in the process.

GSNC-Early Bird Reduced Registration October 21st - November 21st  includes a free EcoCo t-shirt  

For more information or to register, visit www.greenschoolsnationalconference.org

 

 

 

It's not too early to start planning for 

This year, National Green Week kicks off February 4-8, 2013 but you can choose any week from Feb. 4 through April 30 to participate.

National Green Week is an annual event that empowers schools to engage in sustainability focused lessons, projects or activities between February 4 and the end of Earth Month (April).

Participating districts, schools, classrooms or youth groups choose a week, and select your 'green theme.'

Check out Green Education Foundation's sustainability focused programs to get some great ideas.

Participate for the whole week, a day, or just one lesson or activity. Schools and groups are encouraged to take this opportunity to spend time with students discussing sustainability topics and exploring ways they can make a difference.

Pictured at STEM Summit: Green Schools President, Sean Sullivan, Green Schools Executive Director, Robin Organ, and Lt. Governor, Tim Murray

The Ninth Massachusetts STEM Summit was held on Thursday, October 18, 2012, at Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough, MA.

Pictured from left to right: former Patriots running back Kevin Faulk, Student Ambasssador Leigh Hamlet, Superintendent Joe Maruszczak

Green Schools Student Ambassador, Leigh Hamlet, and Superintendent Joe Maruszczak of Mendon-Upton Regional School District, were Honored at Nipmuc Regional High School as Patriots Difference Makers. 

This event featured Honored Guest, Kevin Faulk, former Running Back of the New England Patriots, Green Schools, and several members of Nipmuc Regional High School.

This program was Sponsored by Green Schools and The New England Patriots Charitable Foundation to honor Environmental Volunteerism.

Listen to Leigh Hamlet's Acceptance Speech

as the N.E. Patriots beat the Jets!

 Pictured: Paul Hamlet, Leigh Hamlet [Patriots Difference Maker, Student at Nipmuc Regional High School], Diane Maruszczak, Joe Maruszczak [Patriots Difference Maker, Superintendent of Mendon-Upton Regional School District], Robin Organ, Executive Director of Green Schools, and Diane Goulder, Director of Youth Programs.

We all know how important it is to eat our fruits and vegetables, but it is equally important to know how many pesticides you are ingesting when doing so. 

The Environmental Working Group created the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen as an easy guide for shoppers to help reduce their pesticide intake.  

Visit the Environmental Working Group's website to learn more and download a PDF version of the guide or app for your smartphone

Green Schools is excited to announce our first upcoming lecture in partnership with the Department of Education at Wheaton College. 

Join us on Wednesday, November 14th at 7pm to hear from Nicole Rich, Ph.D.

"Yoga Benefits Brain Development & Well Being of Children"

The presentation will provide listeners with information regarding the benefits of yoga on the brain development and overall well-being of children. Research will be presented, as well as ways that schools and private practitioners can integrate yoga into the classroom setting.

Green Schools Student Ambassadors Led the Way while sharing ways students can make The Green Difference in their Schools and communities.

Student Ambassadors represented Foxborough Regional Charter School & Mansfield High School.

This event was held on October 19th in Westborough and was sponsored by the MA Partners in Prevention, made up of a Wellness Partnerships under the MIAA [Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association].

 "The Weight of the Nation wants you to take the lead in fighting the obesity epidemic! A big part of that is getting teens to drink fewer sugary drinks. Sugary drinks are sold everywhere.  Even though sugary drinks have been linked to weight gain, their makers spend tons to encourage kids to drink their products - this is called marketing."  

Write an essay about sugary drink marketing to teens.  

Where and how often do you see advertising for sugary drinks?

What would encourage you, your friends, and classmates to drink tap water and other healthy drinks rather than sugary drinks?

The Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators recognizes outstanding kindergarten through grade 12 teachers who employ innovative approaches to environmental education and use the environment as a context for learning for their students. Up to two teachers from each of EPA's 10 regions, from different states, will be selected to receive this award. The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers this award to nationally honor, support and encourage educators who incorporate environmental education in their classrooms & teaching methods.

Application deadline is January 31, 2013

Click for more details.