Apply to be a Green School

Apply for the US Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award. This award honors public and private early childhood, elementary, middle and high schools and school districts that are exemplary in all three of the following areas:

• Reducing environmental impact
• Improving health and wellness
• Providing effective environmental education

Awardees receive a plaque and a flag for the school, local recognition, and an invitation to the national ceremony in Washington, DC. The awards are announced annually on Earth Day and the national award ceremony occurs in the summer.

Applying for the award provides an opportunity to analyze energy and water usage, waste reduction and transportation. Schools review the strategies that promote healthy practices by students and teachers. In addition, teachers examine their curriculum for instruction in environmental concepts, skills and careers. In the process members from various sectors of the school community collaborate to improve their efforts toward sustainability.

The application for Minnesota schools and local information is available from John Olson, MDE Science Specialist, John.C.Olson@state.mn.us, 651-582-8673. The application is due December 18th. Information about the Green Ribbon Schools program is at www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools. Minnesota information is at the Mn Dept. of Education Green Ribbon Schools page.

There will be information and assistance webinars on:

November 6, 3 – 4 pm
November 12, 4 – 5 pm
December 2, 3:30– 4:30 pm

Contact John Olson for login details.

Click here to see the flyer.