An Introduction to

Washington Green Schools Is a voluntary, statewide, web-based program your school can use to: –Reduce its environmental and carbon footprint. –Provide students with hands-on experience & education about the environment.

The History A group of solid waste educators and other experts developed this program to provide a statewide consistent structure for “greening” schools. –Initiated in the fall of 2005 –Inspired by other model programs –Funded by a Dept of Ecology Grant –Launched statewide August 2009

The Mission Provide Washington schools with the tools and support to: –Integrate a focus on environmental sustainability both inside and outside the classroom. –Take action that results in environmentally responsible facilities.

The Vision All Washington Schools: –Practice resource conservation and protection, and toxics reduction. –Provide a climate where students are engaged as environmental stewards.

Why Become a Green School? Benefits for schools include: –Helps meet State sustainability learning requirements –Extends curriculum into practical application –Reduces the school’s environmental footprint –Can reduce utility and operating waste & costs –Provides recognition for “green” efforts

How Do Students Benefit? Students gain: –Leadership and collaboration experience –Community service opportunities –Healthier schools –Empowerment to take action –Recognition for efforts

Website You can: –Self-administer the program in your own timing –Find tools, assessments, guides, and resources –Input and store data, receive electronic confirmation –Submit your “report card” online –Share best practices and build community.

Overarching Questions Addresses questions such as: –How can our school conserve resources and reduce its environmental impact? –How can students take practical action to help the environment and grow as stewards & leaders?

General Information There are five Levels that a school can attain Every school starts working on Level 1 Each Level is designed for one school year 100 points required per Level Each Level focuses on a different Environmental Category. There are five categories: one for each Level.

Program Rubric Step 1: Build Your Green Team Step 2: Assess Step 3: Address: Make a Lasting Change Step 4: Take More Action Step 5. Share Your Results Step 6: Submit Report Card and Celebrate!

Step 1: Build Green Team Get started: –Set up your account. –Form your green team. –Ensure the team includes at least one teacher, one other staff person, one administrator associate, and two students.

Step 2: Assess Select one Category and fill out the assessment form: –Energy Efficiency –Recycling and Waste Reduction –Toxics Reduction and Indoor Air Quality –Transportation and Outdoor Air Quality –Water Quality and Conservation

Step 3: Address: Make a Lasting Change Review your Assessment: –Analyze the results –Decide on a long lasting change –Make it happen! –Examples include: Set up a recycling program Establish a no idling policy

Step 4 : Take More Action Take at least one action in each of the four other categories (not the focus category). These will be smaller in scope.

Step 5: Share Your Results Share what you discovered and what you did: –With the school community (i.e. assembly) –Outside of your school (i.e. local radio)

Step 6: Submit Report Card Submit your final report card and get certified as a Level 1 Washington Green School. Get your flag and celebrate!

I’m monumentally excited. This is not a burden. Even without the recognition rewards we are being given so many resources to make a change. This is great!” - Ira Siebert, Everett School District 5 th grade teacher “We’re the leaders we’ve been waiting for – we’re the ones to do this. We’re the ones who are going to put this together. This perfectly ties with the new OSPI Education for Environment and Sustainability requirements. It’s educational reform!” - Dave Ketter, Sequim High School teacher “Fabulous. Here are all the resources a school needs to set up programs. This is just the tool I’ve needed.” - Polagaya McLaughlin, Sr. Planner, Solid Waste Programs, Snohomish Co. “I’m very excited about the program and training. It’s a challenge, but a worthwhile challenge.” - Allison Greenberg, Everett Public Schools teacher.

Contact us with questions: Meredith Lohr and Kim Armstrong