Sacramento, California - State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced that one California school district and four individual schools received 2018 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools and District Sustainability Awards.
The schools won federal honors for reducing environmental impacts and costs, improving health and wellness, and providing effective environmental education.
“Congratulations to these outstanding schools and district for their wonderful achievements,” said Torlakson, who started his public service career as a high school science teacher and coach. “Administrators, teachers, parents, and students are working together to arm our students with the knowledge they need to act on behalf of our precious planet.”
California's honorees are:
- Jack London Community Day School, Valley Glen, Los Angeles County
- Monterey Road Elementary School, Atascadero, San Luis Obispo County
- Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, Placer County
- Top of the World Elementary School, Laguna Beach, Orange County
- Maple Village Waldorf School (private), Long Beach, Los Angeles County
Torlakson previously honored these schools and district as California Green Ribbon Schools “Green Achievers” at an April 23, 2018, event in Laguna Beach.
The private school designation was made by the California Association of Private School Organizations.
Nationwide, the U.S. Department of Education honored 46 schools, six districts, and six postsecondary institutions for their innovative efforts.
Each of the schools demonstrated accomplishments in environmental education programs. For example, Top of the World Elementary School students have opportunities to make positive impacts in their school and community at large. Students use the solar power generated from a solar array on a shed roof to power a blender and make smoothies. They also collect weather data for analysis through a school-wide WeatherBug system on building roofs. The school uses digital devices to complete many assignments, and PTA, principal, and district announcements are all sent digitally, reducing paper waste.