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Success Story: Mercer Island School District
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Earth Hero at School Award
Parent leader receives King County award in April 2011.
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All district schools involve students in conservation practices and lessons about sustainability... |
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...from cafeteria recycling and composting collection... |
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...to active student green teams and garden learning centers. |
Number of schools in the district: 5
Participation in the Green Schools Program: Began in April 2010
Green School District, Level One: Achieved in April 2011
- Each of the five schools in the district completed Level One of the Green Schools Program by improving their waste reduction and recycling practices.
- Two of the five schools — Island Park Elementary and Lakeridge Elementary — also completed Level Two, which is focused on energy conservation practices.
- Each school’s success story can be viewed online.
- In 2009-10, the district’s garbage disposal costs were cut in half after waste reduction and recycling programs were expanded.
- Polystyrene (Styrofoam) in school cafeterias was eliminated district-wide, and all trays, plates, bowls and cups are either durable or compostable. Plastic utensils also were discontinued and replaced by durable or compostable silverware.
- Each school lunchroom now collects food scraps and food soiled paper to be composted at Cedar Grove Composting facility.
- The district reduces paper use by distributing parent newsletters electronically.
- District-wide conservation of natural resources is being achieved through many behind-the-scenes efforts, including participation in the City of Mercer Island energy and water audits, tracking of energy use and costs in each school facility, and regular preventive maintenance on heating and ventilation equipment.
- Read the district’s 2009-10 annual report (PDF, 1.27MB), which includes updates on its Green School activities and successes.
Awards
Comments
“We are achieving personalized learning and student-centered education through the lens of environmental stewardship. Preserving the environment for future generations is a powerful motivation to enact change. I am very proud of our students and staff.” – Superintendent Gary Plano
For more information about the school’s conservation achievements and participation in the Green Schools Program, contact:
Gary Plano, superintendent
gary_plano@misd.wednet.edu
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