Education for Sustainability September 30, 2015

Definition for Sustainability UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development means including key sustainable development issues into teaching and learning; for example, climate change, water, energy conservation health and healthy life styles, biodiversity, poverty reduction, service to others and sustainable consumption.

EPA Definition Sustainability is based on a simple principle: Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations. According to the UN, sustainable development “meets the needs of the present without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” Solutions must meet environmental, economic and social goals simultaneously

Center for ECO Literacy  A sustainable community supports the health and quality of life of present and future generations while living within the limits of its social and natural systems. It recognizes the need for justice, and for physical, emotional, intellectual, cultural, and spiritual sustenance.

Promotes Education for Sustainable Development consequently promotes competencies like critical thinking, imagining future scenarios and making decisions in a collaborative way. 

It also requires participatory teaching and learning methods that motivate and empower learners to take action for sustainable development. Education for Sustainable Development allows every human being to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary to shape a sustainable future.

Student Powered Learning Empowers students to make positive changes Students may serve as peer mentors Students are prepared for active citizenship Integrates and applies curricular areas through service to others Curriculum units woven into place based learning: impact where the student lives, greater community and world

What is a Green School Green schools prepare students to become leaders and citizens who understand how the natural world works, see the patterns that connect human activity to nature, and have the knowledge, values, and skills to act effectively on that understanding. Green schools contribute to making communities more sustainable, explore solutions to environmental problems, and serve as models of responsible action.

HTS MISSION STATEMENT A school community that provides a healthy environment and enhances education and learning through real world experiences that promote conservation and sustainability resulting in a reduced ecological footprint Our community embraces a shared sense of purpose in promoting sustainable practices in resource management and the development of a conservation ethic

HTS Believe Statements We believe that the Holland Township School community should use energy and other resources efficiently to reduce use and cost. We believe that the Holland Township School community should conserve water and encourage its responsible use. We believe that the Holland Township School community should practice the conservation of all resources. We believe that the Holland Township School community should reduce waste and recycle. We believe that the Holland Township School Community should promote health and wellness. We believe that the Holland Township School Community should incorporate into its curriculum environmental education that fosters individual responsibility for the stewardship of our Earth’s resources.

Current Goals Spreading our message including our mission and belief statements. Creating a mural and banner in the front of the school creating and eco friendly presence when entering the school Consistent placement and type of recycling bins placed in all classrooms Increased modeling of sustainable practices from staff and all administrators Team planning used to plan for decreased waste during classroom parties and special events Improve outreach to the community Continue to implement idling campaign Review and plan to increase lessons taught focusing on sustainability during curriculum meetings Green team presentation for all staff during faculty meeting Planning to spread green events throughout the year. More small events Work with the township Green Team Complete the application for Sustainable NJ for Schools Review requirements and standards for our HVAC system including air quality and develop a report and recommendations Continue writing the science curriculum for grades 5-8 based on the Next Generation Science Standards, infuse an outdoor education unit/sustainability unit to increase use of the “Learning Grove: