Lincoln Public Schools has received local and national recognition for its efforts to be “green”, both as a district and at individual schools. Most notably, the district was selected as a 2014 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools District Sustainability Awardee, an award given to just 14 school districts in the country that year.
While this award indicates that we have accomplished a great deal in terms of becoming a more sustainably operated school district, there is always more to be done. This year, LPS is launching the Green Schools Recognition Program which will help schools provide environmental education opportunities for their students while exploring ways to reduce the environmental impact of their building.
How will it work?
The recognition program will engage staff, students, administrators, and custodians by encouraging them to complete activities that represent sustainability best practices for their building. Ideally, the activities would be coordinated by a school Green Team, but each school can choose their own way to pursue these projects.
A list of eligible green activities is available for schools, along with the number of points each activity is worth. The recognition aspect is based on the number of points earned by each school and
will have 3 different levels of achievement they can earn funds for the school. The prizes must be used for a school or community sustainability project. Examples of acceptable uses of the prize money include: outdoor recycling containers, garden tools or plants, and supplies for an Earth Day event or other green event.
Examples of eligible activities
• Establish a school Green Team
• Participate in a Green Apple Day of Service activity
• Have an art lesson using recyclable items
• Include green tips in morning announcements
• Host a walk/bike to school event
How can you help?
If you are looking for ways to help your school with this program, inquire about the school green team, or consider establishing one if there isn’t an existing group. Another great way to kick off the year is by hosting a Green Apple Day of Service event:
“Green Apple Day of Service gives parents, teachers, students, companies and local organizations the opportunity to transform all schools into healthy, safe and productive learning environments through local service events.”
Any event that makes an impact on the environment, supports health and wellness at school, or advances environmental and sustainability literacy can be registered. Examples include a garden planting or clean-up day, neighborhood litter clean-up, local/healthy food cooking contest, electronics recycling drive, or having students create a mural to show your school’s commitment to going green. To see more ideas and register your event, go to greenapple.org
Click HERE to find out more information about the LPS Green Schools Recognition Program and check out the available resources for the activities.
Updated March 14, 2024