City of Shakopee

https://www.shakopeemn.gov/living-here/about-shakopee/greenstep-cities/

The City of Shakopee seeks to build partnerships with Shakopee Public School District, individual schools, & the community to provide resources, programs, and services to progress through the GreenStep School/Cities programs. The City created a Best Practices Committee to provide a forum to support students by continuously pursuing initiatives, designing projects, and tracking metrics to enable the City to connect students and faculty with staff resources and real-life educational opportunities.

Organization Type: Governmental – City/Township, MN

Locations Served: Shakopee, Scott County

Contact: Andrew Boucher

Email: aboucher@shakopeemn.gov

Types of Resources Offered:

Training, Professional or Specialty Advice, Connections/Network, Materials, Equipment, or Products, In-Kind Time (various), Funding/Grants

Cost to the School for Resources Offered:

Free

Best Practices Ares for Assistance:

0. Organizational Leadership

1. Green Team: Participating districts and schools form a green team made up diverse roles and stakeholders., 2. GreenStep School Resolution: The district passes a resolution to participate in GreenStep, signed by participating schools., 3. Widespread Communication: District/School communicate activities and accomplishments to families, students, staff, and stakeholders., 4. Equity And Diversity: District/School Proactively plans for equitable and diverse participation in the program and projects, 5. Green School Strategic Plan: District/School creates a strategic plan and reviews it annually., 6. Community Leadership: District/School contribute their experience to professional and community organizations to foster green school capacity beyond their borders., 7. Advanced Recognition: District/School seek advanced recognition through programs like Green Ribbon, LEED, or others.

1. Reduced Environmental Impact and Costs

1. Energy Efficiency: District/School has very little wasted energy., 2. Renewable Energy: District/School uses renewable energy such as solar panels., 3. Waste Reduction: District/School has very little solid waste and recycles a variety of materials., 4. Material Safety: District/School has very little hazardous waste and safely manages it., 5. Water Efficiency: District/School has very little wasted water indoors and in the school yard., 6. Onsite Stormwater Management: Schoolyards include areas that are natural and help rain soak deep into the ground., 7. Community Spaces: Schools and schoolyards include areas that the community can use., 8. Green Product Purchasing: District/School purchases green products such as recycled office paper, low or non-toxic cleaning supplies, furniture built to green standards, or efficient computers., 9. Commuting Efficiency: Many students and staff walk, bike, carpool or bus to school., 10. Transportation Efficiency: District/School has efficient transportation use and reduces its environmental impacts., 11. Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience: District/School has planned and prepared for extreme weather, adaptation to changing climatic conditions, and has fostered strong community connections.

2. Improved Health and Wellness

1. Drinking Water Safety: District/School monitors drinking water quality and prevents water contaminants., 2. Indoor Air Quality: District/School has programs to protect air quality such as using a strong ventilation standard, a comprehensive Indoor Air Quality Management Program, an asthma management program, and a no-smoking policy., 3. Indoor Environmental Comfort: School provides comfortable learning spaces in terms of natural and artificial lighting, temperature, humidity, acoustics (sound quality), window views to nature, furniture and equipment., 4. Chemical Safety: School minimizes and manages chemical exposure and handling to protect students and staff from wood preservatives, mercury in devices, pesticides, and other potential hazards., 5. Physical Activity: Students have ample physical education or outdoor time during each school day., 6. Nourishment Access: District/School provides breakfast and free or reduced lunches as needed to make sure all students are nourished., 7. Nutrition: District/School provides nutritious and healthy meals and snacks., 8. Sustainable Food: District/School purchases food with green features such as organic, fair trade, or locally grown., 9. Health Resources and Planning: District/School has health resources (e.g. a nurse or health aid) and has an overall health plan that includes mental health, positive school climate, inclusivity, equity, and safety.

3. Effective Environmental and Sustainability Education

1. Integrated Environmental Education: Environmental education is integrated throughout the curriculum., 2. Outdoor Learning: Outdoor learning experiences are provided ., 3. Teacher Training: Environmental education training is offered to teachers., 4. Environmental Career Preparation: The curriculum connects to environmental career readiness., 5. Community Projects: Students conduct environmental community engagement projects ., 6. Community Engagement: The district/school partners with community organizations to advance green school achievement.

Additional Detail:

The City of Shakopee intends to better support Shakopee Public School District and supplement their academics with real-life opportunities to engage the community, develop policy, and design/implement projects by collaborating with a variety of stakeholders to progress through the GreenStep Cities/Schools programs and topic fields.