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Success Story: Nautilus K-8 School
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After winning the student-run “No Contamination in the Recycling Bins” contest, three Nautilus classes pose with their trophies which were made by ASB from recycled materials.
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School District: Federal Way
School Location: Federal Way
Began participating in the Green Schools Program: September 2009
Level One of the Green Schools Program: Achieved in June 2010
Level Two of the Green Schools Program: Achieved in May 2011
Waste Reduction and Recycling
- In 2009-10, Nautilus increased its recycling rate from 25 percent to 33 percent, saving $217 per month in garbage collection costs by reducing the outdoor garbage dumpster size.
- The school improved classroom recycling and initiated lunchroom recycling of plastic bottles, aluminum cans and milk cartons.
- In 2010-11, Nautilus began to collect food scraps and other compostable materials and increased its recycling rate from 33 percent to 41 percent.
- School staff placed recycling stickers that list what can and can’t be recycled on classroom and lunchroom recycling containers.
- The student green team generated a list of projects and completed the following:
- Created and presented PowerPoint presentations and skits in the lunchroom during Earth Week.
- Made daily announcements about recycling.
- Taught lower grade level students how to monitor the lunchroom recycling containers.
- Held a “no contamination” contest for classrooms. The Associated Student Body presented trophies they made out of recycled materials to the classes that had no contaminants in their recycling bins.
- Nautilus students and staff completed a school-wide clean up on Earth Day.
- Sixth and seventh grade students participated in a neighborhood ravine clean-up project, coordinating with the cities of Federal Way and Des Moines for garbage pickup.
- Students wrote letters to government officials about reducing carbon dioxide emissions that cause ocean acidification.
Energy Conservation
- Maintenance staff replaced all school bulbs with more energy-efficient lights.
- Middle school students made posters and put them up around the building reminding students to conserve energy and help save our planet.
- The PTA newsletter includes a conservation tip in its monthly publication. All tips are written by a middle school student.
- The leadership students placed “Turn off the Lights” stickers by all light switches.
- Middle school students shared conservation tips over the intercom during the morning announcements.
- Staff received reminders to turn off lights, shut down computers, and close blinds at the end of every day.
- Signs were posted in computer labs to turn off monitors when transitioning from one class to another.
Comment
“Our motto is Dream Big! Work Hard! Make a Difference!”
– Lisa Torres, teacher
For more information about this school’s conservation achievements and participation in the Green Schools Program, contact:
Lisa Torres, teacher
ltorres@fwps.org
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