Green Ribbon Schools Award - MN Dept. of Education

https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/stds/sci/grn/

This award from the U.S. Department of Education honors schools, districts and higher education institutions that save energy and reduce operating costs, create environmentally friendly learning spaces, promote student health, and incorporate environmental sustainability into the curriculum.

Locations Served: Entire state

Contact: Angela Kolonich

Email: Angela.Kolonich@state.mn.us

Types of Resources Offered:

Professional or Specialty Advice, national award

Cost to the School for Resources Offered:

Free

Best Practices Areas for Assistance:

0. Organizational Leadership

7. Advanced Recognition: District/School seek advanced recognition through programs like Green Ribbon, LEED, or others.

1. Reduced Environmental Impact and Costs

2. Improved Health and Wellness

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., 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., 3. Teacher Training: Environmental education training is offered to teachers., 4. Environmental Career Preparation: The curriculum connects to environmental career readiness., 6. Community Engagement: The district/school partners with community organizations to advance green school achievement.

Additional Detail:

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) promotes and supports participation in the US Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Award program. This award honors public and private schools (early childhood – grade 12), school districts, and institutions of higher education that are exemplary in all three of the following areas 1) reducing environmental impact, 2) improving health and wellness and 3) providing effective environmental education.

Awardees receive a plaque for the school, local recognition, use of the Green Ribbon School Logo on their website, and an invitation to the national award ceremony and related events in Washington, DC.

MDE nominates schools for the national aware based on applications. The application for Minnesota schools and state level information is available at https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/stds/sci/grn/. Information and resources for the national Green Ribbon Schools program is at https://www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools.