California Casualty Honors Washington’s 2019 Green Ribbon Schools Awardees
SAN MATEO, Calif. (PRWEB) June 20, 2019 -- California Casualty congratulates the Washington school districts and school that have been named 2019 Green Ribbon awardees by the U.S. Department of Education. As the Washington Green Ribbon Schools Sponsor, California Casualty is providing $1,250 to each designee to continue sustainability efforts or to help with travel expenses to the national honors ceremony this September in Washington, D.C.
This year’s Washington Green Ribbon recipients are:
- Lake Washington School District
- Lopez Island School District
- Oak Harbor Public Schools
- The Northwest School
They are among 35 schools, 14 districts and four postsecondary institutions across the nation that achieved the honor.
To reach Green Ribbon School status, the districts and schools had to meet three key Pillars:
1. Reducing environmental impacts and costs
2. Improving the health and wellness of students and staff
3. Providing effective environmental and sustainability education, incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); civic skills and green career pathways
Lake Washington Schools have employed rain gardens that do not use chemicals or pesticides, recycle and compost as much material as possible, installed solar panels to meet energy needs and incorporated healthy nutrition, anti-bullying and respect for the environment into the curriculum. Lake Washington School District’s vision is, “Every Student Future-Ready.”
Lopez Island Schools have successfully built one of the few articulated K-12 farm-to-school programs in the state, if not the country. Lopez Elementary School’s L.I.F.E. garden is recognized as one of the premier teaching gardens in the country – showing students how to sow, cultivate and harvest their own produce, while incorporating math, science, reading and literacy lessons into the curriculum. The district has two gardeners on staff who maintain and keep the production garden active all year long. The monthly school lunch menus often have a LIFE Lunch, which are meals entirely grown on the island.
Oak Harbor Schools have incorporated bird ecosystems, rain gardens, vegetable gardens and green houses, compost worm bins, and more green living strategies into daily leaning. The district offers green classroom certifications in waste, water, and energy reduction. Students are active in community work, designing and building tiny, high-tech homes for the homeless. Located on an island, eliminating waste and maximizing energy efficiency is extremely important.
The Northwest School views environmental sustainability – interacting with the natural systems on which we depend, in a manner that enables current and future generations to thrive – as one of the most existential and urgent social justice issues of our time. Northwest is currently engaging in an energy audit and tune-up of it’s buildings. The school has very limited parking and encourages walking, bicycling and transit options. Students and faculty have built a 3,000 square-foot campus garden, composting systems, picnic tables
This is the eighth year the U.S. Dept. of Education has run the Green Ribbon Schools awards program. The aim of the department is to inspire schools, districts, and higher education institutions to strive for 21st century excellence. Washington is among states with the most Green Ribbon awardees, surpassed only by California, which had five recognized schools.
“US Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools highlight how students engage as scientists and engineers in solving real-world problems for their schools and communities,” said Dr. Ellen Ebert, director of science education at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. “The ability to see oneself as an agent of positive change is the world is an essential element in building equity for all learners. We are extremely proud of the way these schools and school districts are building opportunities for students to be active global citizens.”
California Casualty Assistant Vice President, Brian Goodman, who presented a check and a special plaque to each district and school, said, “We’ve been impressed how Washington students and schools have addressed sustainability and other environmental issues. We are thrilled to support this valuable program and congratulate the four winning programs that have achieved this prestigious honor.” Mr. Goodman added, “California Casualty has partnered with NEA Member Benefits in Washington since 2001 to serve and support dedicated teachers and educational support professionals who engage and educate students.”
About California Casualty
Headquartered in San Mateo, California, with Service Centers in Arizona, Colorado and Kansas, California Casualty provides auto and home insurance to educators, firefighters, law enforcement and nurses. Founded in 1914, California Casualty has been led by four generations of the Brown family. To learn more about California Casualty, or to request an auto insurance quote, please visit http://www.calcas.com or call 1.800.800.9410.
Mark Goldberg, California Casualty, http://www.calcas.com, 719.532.8436, [email protected]
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