Above: A green space at Oakland-Scotland Public School. |
Grand Erie Goes Green with EcoSchools for 13th Year
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022
Since 2010, Grand Erie schools have been showing up for sustainability in their communities in a big way, examining their environmental impact and identifying unique ways to reduce their footprint through the EcoSchools program. This initiative is designed to teach the importance of environmental learning and climate action so that our community can thrive.
Above: Students at Delhi Public School take part in an outdoor learning class. |
As of 2022, Grand Erie is home to 15 certified EcoSchools, but this is no small undertaking. Being an EcoSchool means committing to a host of activities, projects, campaigns and checkpoints along the way to pass an assessment for the chance to become certified.
So, what does this look like across Grand Erie? Collectively this year, these schools have racked up 7,564 hours of outdoor learning, with 16 trees planted, 397 waste-free lunches, and 102 efficiency-optimized classrooms. To top it off, 67 per cent of Grand Erie schools have been EcoSchool certified for at least five years.
“I am very impressed with the work and effort of these schools (and 13 other schools who started applications this year). The hard work and accomplishments of these schools have not only helped our environment for our current students, but it has also positively impacted our environment for future generations,” said JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education, who herself was an Eco-Hawk, proudly championing environmental conservation efforts as a classroom teacher and school administrator.
Above: An outdoor classroom at Bloomsburg Public School in Waterford featuring new trees. |
“The students involved and educators involved are incredible environmental stewards who are changing attitudes and culture within their school, at home and within the wider community.”
The following schools became certified in 2021-2022:
Bronze Certification:
Silver Certification:
Gold Certification:
Platinum Certification:
Thank you to all schools who participated in the EcoSchool program this year. Your dedication to environmental stewardship for the district is inspiring!
In an effort to build a better school playground we are trying to raise money for two playground structures with landscaping. This project will make a positive difference for 400+ elementary students at North Ward School. The estimated costs to complete the project is $75,000 to $100,000. Our school has raised approximately $11,000 through our recent Danceathon. Thank you to Queensview Retirement Community and R.T . Systems Inc. for donating $1000 each to our important cause.
For charitable donations of $1,000 or more, we can provide a charitable donation receipt, an acknowledgement on our outdoor school sign (see photo) and an acknowledgement in our school website. We will also include the name of the business or community group on a permanent plaque displayed inside our school.
For further information on donating to our playground project please contact the Ms. Shaheen or Mr. Holmes at: 519-442-2311.
Together, let's build a better playground!
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We also have a YouTube channel to keep you posted about all the amazing things happening at North Ward. Click on the picture below to see!
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