GRAND ERIE'S EcoSchools
EcoSchools is an environmental education and certification program for grades K-12 that helps school communities develop both ecological literacy and environmental practices to become environmentally responsible citizens and reduce the environmental footprint of schools.
Its focus supports the goals and recommendations of the environmental education in the Ontario curriculum. Ontario EcoSchools is 100% free and has been developed by schools for schools. It purpose is to promote ecological literacy for students, provide leadership opportunities, establish environmentally friendly practices within the schools and provides an opportunity for assessment and celebration.
Grand Erie is proud the following schools are certified an EcoSchools:
Gold: Valley Heights Secondary School 
Pauline Johnson CVS *NEW
Silver: Delhi District Secondary School
Paris District High School
Pauline Johnson Collegiate & Vocational School
St. George German School
Teeterville Public School *NEW
Bronze: Houghton Public School
Fairview Avenue Public School *NEW
Mount Pleasant Public School *NEW
North Ward Public School *NEW
Who is involved?
The Ontario EcoSchools program encourages schools to involve EVERYONE- Students, Teachers, Staff, Administration, Custodian, Community Members, etc. The program encourages schools to create and EcoTeam in order to work together.
How does it work?
1) Establish your EcoTeam!
2) Conduct an EcoReview - The EcoReview assess the needs for the school to discover how your school can become more environmentally responsible
3) Identify Priorities and develop an Action Plan
4) Implement the Action Plan involving the entire school
5) Monitor and Evaluate your progress. The Recognize and celebrate you successes!
The Ontario EcoSchools program not only places emphasis on, reflects, and supports the Ontario curriculum in environmental education, but also encourages students to become involved and take a lead in reducing our environmental impact.
Ecological Literacy, Waste Reduction, Energy Reduction, School Ground Greening and Environmental Stewardship are some topics included in the program. Further, statistics have proven the EcoSchools use less energy per square meter than non-EcoSchools within the Board.
More information and resources can be found on the Ontario EcoSchools website.