Missouri Green Ribbon Schools
Missouri Schools Nominated for Green Ribbon Award
Four Missouri schools were nominated for the U.S. Department of Education's first-ever Green Ribbon Schools award, which recognizes schools for creating "green" environments and providing high-quality environmental and outdoor education.
The Missouri nominees were chosen by a team of reviewers from the state departments of Elementary and Secondary Education, Natural Resources, and Health and Senior Services.
The nominees are:
- Bell Prairie Elementary School, North Kansas City
The construction of the Bell Prairie Elementary School, completed in 2009, addressed a number of environmental issues including site design, water and energy usage, and selection of "green" building materials. A windmill pumps rainwater from a 5,370 gallon cistern to the school's rooftop garden for plant irrigation. Thirteen walking-tour stations located throughout the building provide details about the facility. The school received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
- Maplewood Richmond Heights School District, Maplewood
Elementary students at the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District study sustainability in the school's garden as part of a "seed-to-table" project. Middle school students participate in a variety of community sustainability projects. High school biology, chemistry and physics classes are aligned with the goals of the national Green Schools Program, and high school students are required to take a course about environmental sustainability.
- The College School, Webster Groves
The College School's focus on education for sustainability is incorporated throughout its curriculum and promotes the connections between the environment, the economy and society. Environmental education efforts include a garden and greenhouse, wilderness education trips and recycling activities. The school engages in environmentally responsible construction and maintenance practices. A school-wide "leave no trace" ethic promotes environmental sustainability.
- Crossroads College Prep, St. Louis
A renovation project and an addition to the Crossroads College Prep facility received a LEED platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Students participate in the school's Good Work Program, which partners students with nonprofit community organizations to work on a number of environmental projects including growing organic food for a local farmer's market, habitat restoration, and recycling and reusing bicycles.
The College School and Crossroads College Prep were named Green Ribbon Schools on April 23. A total of 78 schools from 29 states and the District of Columbia received the award. The winning schools will be honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in June.
The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools recognizes schools that save energy, reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect health, foster wellness, and offer environmental education to boost academic achievement and community engagement.
For questions or additional information about Green Ribbon Schools, please contact Shaun Bates via email at shaun.bates@dese.mo.gov or phone at 573-751-4445.