FAQ
What is the review and recognition process?
All applications for Green School Recognition are due on or before March 1, 2010. At this time, a panel of judges will review all recognition applications and rank them according to the Green School Rubric. At least two judges will independently review each application.
All schools will be notified of the judging results by April 5, 2010. All schools scoring a minimum of 40 points will receive recognition.
The top twenty schools, plus five judges’ choice schools will be honored at a special Green Schools Recognition Luncheon at the Community Foundation on a date to be announced later. Cash awards to the top five schools will be given at this time.
Additionally, all recognized schools will be profiled on the Green Schools Recognition website.
Where can I get help?
There are many agencies and organizations that can help you in your journey toward greening your school. Please refer to the Resources page on the Green Schools Recognition website.
How do we get started?
By attending a Green Schools workshop! All schools that wish to apply for Green Schools Recognition must attend an informational workshop so your first step is to determine who will attend a workshop. Check the home page for dates and locations.
The workshop will detail the steps you must take and the requirements for Green School Recognition.
What kinds of resources will we need?
There are many steps toward becoming a Green School that do not require extra money, but simply a commitment by your school community. We strongly advise schools to initiate a Green School Team to work toward projects and activities to address each of the categories in the Green Schools Rubric.
Also there are a number of community agencies and organizations that can help.
What does it mean to be green?
Green means many things to many people. Our definition of what it means to be a green school incorporates the elements of school ground enhancement, resource conservation, curriculum connections and community involvement. The Green Schools Rubric found on the Judging Criteria page of the web site clearly outlines all the categories and indicators that define what it means to be green in the Green Schools Recognition Program.
Green Schools are those that encourage cultures of sustainability within their school community.
What is sustainability?
Sustainability embodies “stewardship” and “design with nature,” and “carrying capacity”.
The most popular definition of sustainability can be traced to a 1987 UN conference. It defined sustainable developments as those that “meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs“(WECD, 1987). Robert Gillman, editor of the In Context magazine, extends this goal oriented definition by stating “sustainability refers to a very old and simple concept (The Golden Rule)…do onto future generations as you would have them do onto you.” (http://www.arch.wsu.edu/09%20publications/sustain/defnsust.htm)
What is the Green Team?
One of the indicators in our recognition program involves the creation of a Green Team consisting of teachers, administrators, students, and community members to coordinate the systematic planning and implementation of ongoing Green School activities.
Why should our school participate?
Because one of the most important lessons schools can teach and model to its learners is how to live sustainably and make responsible choices in their own lives. Today’s learners are tomorrow’s decision-makers.
This program is a great opportunity for greening your school, your students and your community and also being recognized for your efforts. Please see the Incentives page on the Green Schools Recognition website for specific awards.
