Sustainability Spotlight: Kristy Weddington at Irving
Irving Middle School has always been an active participant in many sustainability initiatives and green activities thanks to Sustainability Champion and science teacher, Kristy Weddington. Weddington leads the school’s active Green Team and helps students’ sustainability ideas come to life. Weddington volunteered for the Sustainability Champion position at Irving 5 years ago.
“I love the environment and want kids to get excited about helping protect the environment for their future. I love when the kids come up with projects and then get other kids excited!”
The Green Team meets regularly to discuss ways to further the sustainability culture at their school. One of the group’s favorite green activities is organizing litter clean ups in the parks surrounding Irving. Weddington explained that the students love making their neighborhood parks look nice. Additionally, the Irving Green Team enjoys playing a big role during Earth Week. During the week of Earth Day, the Green Team helps teach a lesson about the environment, facilitates a scavenger hunt around the building, and conducts different campaigns like a Walk to School Day. Throughout the week all participants can be entered into drawings to win prizes.
In the past, Irving has been recognized for their sustainable practices in the building. The school was named a Green Ribbon School in 2016 and recently earned the 2021 Energy Star Certification. In addition to building performance, active participation in the Green Schools Recognition Program has earned the school funding to support their efforts. This year’s funds will support their teacher gift project.
“February is the longest month for education and it can take a toll on teachers. To help this, the students of the Green Club have been collecting tin cans and small jars. We hope to grow plants in the cans and make small candles in the jars using recycled crayon wax for our teachers.”
They will be taking their activities outside this spring. Green Team students are collaborating with the Art Club to create a mural near the playground that is centered around environmental protection.
Weddington encourages any staff or students to be sustainable champions at their school. “Find a small group of motivated students that would help get the community involved,” she explained. She also finds it helpful to offer prizes like reusable bags, seeds, or environmental stickers for students who get involved in campaigns and other activities.
Thank you Kristy Weddington and Irving Middle for being a champion of sustainability in our district!
Updated January 5, 2022
