Green Schools

4th Annual Green Difference Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Sun, 20 May 2012 17:42:00 +0000

THE 4TH ANNUAL GREEN DIFFERENCE AWARDS TOOK PLACE ON FRIDAY, MAY 4TH AT THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSE IN BOSTON. EACH YEAR GREEN SCHOOLS OF MASSACHUSETTS CELEBRATES THE EFFORTS OF LOCAL SCHOOLS AND AWARDS DESERVING RECIPIENTS FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP IN ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND ACTIONS IN THEIR SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES....OVER TWO DOZEN SCHOOLS WERE REPRESENTED AND RECOGNIZED FOR VARIOUS GREEN INITIATIVES INCLUDING RECYCLING, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND SPECIAL PROJECTS. ALSO RECOGNIZED ON THIS DAY WERE MORE THAN 70 GREEN SCHOOLS STUDENT AMBASSADORS (GRADES 2-12) FROM ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH, WHO RECEIVED THE PEYA (PRESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS) AN AWARD GIVEN FOR COMMITTING MORE THAN 20 HOURS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP.

INCLUDED IN THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS WAS A PERFORMANCE BY THE GREEN ROCKERS AND THE REDUCERS, THE OFFICIAL BAND OF GREEN SCHOOLS, WELCOMING REMARKS BY STATE REPRESENTATIVE JAY BARROWS AND REPRESENTATIVE ANNE GOBI, HOUSE CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES AND AGRICULTURE, PRESENTATIONS BY STUDENTS ANNE CLAIRE GRAMMER AND ANDREA LANDY, THE PRESENTATION OF THIS YEARS GREEN DIFFERENCE AWARDS AND A CLOSING SONG BY AMANDA MCCARTHY, GREEN ROCKER. THE FOLLOWING SCHOOLS WERE RECOGNIZED AT THE EVENT...

1. Abby Kelley Foster Charter School

2. Abraham Lincoln Elementary School

3. Andover High School

4. Beverly High School

5. City of Lowell Recycling Coordinator, Gunther Wellenstein

6. Foxborough Regional Charter School

7. Stonehill College, Bridget Meigs

8. Manchester Essex Regional School District, Green Scholars Advisors

9. Mansfield High School, Project Teammate

10. Newton North High Schools, Greengineers

11. South Shore Public Charter School

12. Touchstone Community School

13. Town of Milton, William Ritchie

14. Wellesley Middle School Green Team

15. Wellesley High School

16. White Oaks Elementary School, Rosalie Tubre

17. Gill-Montague Regional School District

18. Wellesley High School, Eva Loh & Juyon Lee [Certificate of Recognition]

19. W. Bridgewater Middle/Sr. High School, Ashley Faghan [Certificate of Recognition]

20. W. Bridgewater Middle/Sr. High School, Mitchell Manning [Certificate of Recognition]

Green Schools is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to create greener & healthier learning environments through education & awareness.

Green Schools provides a number of environmental education programs and resources to schools and communities looking to make The Green Difference. For more information go to: www.projectgreenschools.org

Green Schools Summit Event

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:58:00 +0000

The 5^th Annual Green Schools Summit “Greening Our Schools & Communities Every Day!” took place on Friday, April 13^th at Mansfield High School. Over 1,400 attendees from more than 24 Massachusetts based schools gathered to learn about Environmental Education and how to move to action!

Keynote Speakers included Joe and Jen Andruzzi. Joe is a former New England Patriots player who battled cancer and won. Also speaking were Jessica Hing, EPA Region 1 on Green Ribbon Schools and State Representative Jay Barrows.

Additional features and presenters included SAGEE [Secretaries Advisory Group on Energy Environment and Education], Superintendent of Mansfield Public Schools, Brenda Hodges, Waste Management, MA Recycle, Zumba classes, The Food Project, Invensys Foxboro, Metech Recycling, SolSolution, Planet Aid, Delicious Living Nutrition, Quincy High School’s Eco Fashion Show, South Shore Public Charter School, Newton North's Greengineers, Foxboro Regional Charter School, The Farm at Stonehill, MITS, Green Schools Student Ambassadors and many others!

Back row: Linda Fernando [MEF], Marybeth Cragan [MEF], State Representative Jay Barrows, Jillian Rizzitano [Algonquin High], Allyson Rudd [FRCS], Andrea Landy [FRCS], Anne Claire Grammer [Mansfield High], Jordan Torti, Jen [Joe Andruzzi Foundation] Andruzzi, Joe Andruzzi [Former New England Patriots Player/Joe Andruzzi Foundation]

Front row: Reily Connaughton [FRCS], Carol Bowe [Boston Latin School], Christina Prew [The Pinecroft School], Haley Organ [FRCS], Shadi Rajeh [FRCS], Tyler Casper [FRCS], Katilyn Shannon [FRCS], Brian Krentzman [Qualters Middle], Robin Organ [Green Schools], Jessica Hing [EPA]

Photo courtesy of Guravage Studio

NEW AMBASSADOR PROFILE

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:49:00 +0000

Here is another inspirational student doing great things with Green Schools.

Name: Carol Bowe

School:Boston Latin School

Grade: 11

Biography: I started working with my school's environmental group, BLS YouthCAN, when I was in 8th grade. Then in 2009 we began work on a green roof at BLS. However, it was much more than that. It wasn't simply a green roof for our students. The plan is that it will be equipped with outdoor classrooms, wind turbines, solar panels, and even a greenhouse. I will be a place where students can learn and students from any school can come and check it out. We would also put data collected on the roof on our website (blsyouthcan.org) so anyone can learn from it. We have been fundraising and giving presentations about it ever since. For example just recently we presented to the mayor and the city, which was really exciting because we are now pushing this project further. We've even had design charrettes to tweak our original plans. It has been a long process but in the end it will all be worth it!

Youth CAN is what lead me to green schools and the student ambassador program. I began last year and I am so excited that I have had this opportunity. It has lead me to learn much and discover many opportunities. One of the most exciting for me was meeting Eco Orchards at a green schools event. I had always been really upset that we were recycling and trying to cut down our waste at school yet we still had styrofoam lunch trays. They are recycled by the city but it was still not good for the environment. We purchased an order of compostable trays from Eco Orchards for a two day trial. I am hoping that this leads to further use of these and eventually a complete switch from styrofoam. I am very excited to be working in the student ambassadors program!

Think Before You Idle .... by Margie McNally

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 23:09:00 +0000

This week our attention turns to another local student environmental initiative to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. 5th grade students at Brickett Elementary School in Lynn, Massachusetts participated in Disney's Planet Challenge "Think Before You Idle" competition and were awarded over 250 other schools a surprise trip to Disney and $10k for their school after their efforts to prevent prolonged vehicle idling in front of their school and in the city of Lynn. Their work included going before state legislation to propose passing a bill for a maximum three minute idling period in the city. Students got community involved and made a difference for sure.... Bravo! See the full story here...

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/03/16/lynn-5th-graders-earn-surprise-trip-to-disney-world/

Ambassadors learn about Sustainable Design by Margie McNally

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 02:10:00 +0000

Being an environmental design professional, this was one of my favorite Green Schools events...

On Saturday, March 3rd Ambassadors representing Wilmington High School and The Bridge School in Lexington met at the brand new Boston Society of Architects offices and gallery in Boston to learn about sustainable design. Polly Carpenter from Learning By Design in Massachusetts presented to the students the principles of sustainable design including the use of renewable resources like bamboo.Of course sustainable design is that and so much more...It's about preserving natural resources like energy, water, land and trees and about giving back to the earth so that future generations will not run out..it's about doing no harm and creating healthful and healing environments for all.

We all had the chance to participate in a thought provoking design activity by creating a weather proof shelter out of one single piece of paper. Students and adults had to become resourceful with few tools being allowed in the process...It produced some interesting results as one can imagine. Attendees toured the gallery as well.

Learning By Design in Massachusetts is a K-12 architecture and design education program. They will be part of an event July 9-20 at The Museum Institute for Teaching Science for elementary and middle school educators exploring how science inspires engineering...you can visit the website at www.mits.org

Let Me Introduce Our Ambassadors Part One....

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:39:00 +0000

Michelle Li

School: Needham High School

Grade: 12

Biography: I've worked with Greenschools since my sophomore year. I've regularly attended meetings, and in addition, have volunteered and partaken in events such as the summer student ambassador outings, the annual Green Schools Summit, and the Green Difference awards. I helped create the Student Ambassador Constitution, and co-wrote the Green Schools Society pledge. In my junior year, I helped the environmental club at my school place more recycling bins in the cafeteria to encourage recycling during lunch hours. As the Vice President of Communications of the Student Ambassadors, I manage the Green Schools Facebook group, and help edit the Ambassador Newsletter.

Anne Claire Grammer

School: Mansfield HIgh School

Grade: 12

This is my first year at Green Schools, and I couldn't be happier to be President of Community Outreach which means that I speak at events and am present at Green School's environmental field trips. I'm part of the Green Hornets club which is an environmental awareness club at MHS.
This year we are focusing on repairing our green house since it was ruined by hurricane Irene,increasing our current recycling regime, and are currently trying to implement solar panels on MHS's roof.

Inspiring Youth by Margie McNally Green Schools Board Member

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:39:00 +0000

Last Saturday, February 4th students from Sharon High School gathered at Mansfield High School, home of Green Schools to share their knowledge, experience and progress in composting at Sharon High School. Matt Ostrow and Vineeta Nangia along with other members of the group YCOMP (Youth Composting Organization for Massachusetts Populace, ycomp.org) educated attendees with a well organized slide presentation of the benefits of composting as well as direction on implementing a program in area schools. Students displayed the “Earth Machine” as a key component of composting success. After the presentation students from Sharon, Mansfield and West Bridgewater had some fun with candid interviews on their motivation to bring green initiatives to their schools. After many years of environmental practice and education I was so inspired to see these dedicated young people share their individual enthusiasm about getting involved in environmental activities. Keep up the good work students! What are you doing in your school? Please share your experience with us.

New Year New Initiatives by Margie McNally GS Board Member

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:55:00 +0000

Well it is a new year for Green Schools and I look forward to working once again with this energetic group as well as with area schools on their green goals and action plans.

Early in my career as an Interior Designer I realized the importance of a healthy environment which goes beyond fashion, style and color. At that time my young daughter suffered with allergies and chronic bouts of asthma. The American Lung Association’s marketing campaign pictured a young child with an oxygen tube draping down his face and a caption that read “when you can’t breathe nothing else matters” ...well that hit home and I began my work with the ALA as Environmental Program Coordinator targeting local schools with an introduction to the EPA Tools For Schools Program. That was the early 90s and since then the focus on healthier and more energy efficient schools has resulted in the proliferation of dozens of green school building programs and initiatives. Among the recent developments is the launching of the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools program that focuses on three elements...

(1) healthy learning environments, (2) environmental impact and energy efficiency and (3) environmental literacy

The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools will recognize 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. The recognition award is part of a larger U.S. Department of Education (Department) effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about practices proven to result in improved student engagement, academic achievement, graduation rates, and workforce preparedness, as well as a government-wide aim to increase energy independence and economic security. http://www.greenribbonschools.org

The U.S. Government Accountability Office reports that at least 25,000 U.S. schools are in need of extensive repairs and more than 10,000 of those schools have air that is unfit to breathe. On the flip side, research has shown that, on average, green schools save $100,000 per year on operating costs. Greening our schools just makes sense and our hats go off to this year’s designees for their practical and forward thinking.

http://centerforgreenschools.org/utility-nav/blog/11-12-12/Americans_Care_About_Green_Schools.aspx

Breaking stories like the recent incident where 12 female high school students in upstate New York developed mysterious Tourets-like symptoms with no apparent cause give reason to first investigate the health and indoor air quality of the school building. Although the cost of third party testing can be daunting, attention to environmental factors is key. In a perfect world schools would be proactive in preventing the problems from occurring in the first place. Taking precautions with everyday maintenance procedures, monitoring occupant habits and incorporating integrative design when constructing new schools are among the strategies that will prevent poor indoor air quality problems and preserve the health of our school age children.

6/25/11: Green Schools Welcomes New Board Members

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 19:22:00 +0000

Green Schools welcomes New Board Members!

New Vice President-
Dr. Joseph Maruszczak-Former Principal of Mansfield High School, Superintendent of Mendon-Upton School District

New Board Members-
Nicole Cormier, RD, LDN, Delicious Living Nutrition
Frank Delvecchio- Roosevelt & Cross
Kristen Eichleay- Boston Green Academy
Soren Harrison-SolSolution
Marie Hoyt-Pariury- Pixel Artists Design
Matthew Johnston- Boston Green Academy
Diane Miller- AIA, LEED AP, Miller Design LLC
Sean Sullivan- No Fossil Fuel

New Advisory Board Member-
Mary Barton Rau- Covidien

5/1/11: Green Difference Awards!

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Sun, 01 May 2011 14:51:00 +0000

The Green Difference Awards are coming soon!

When: May 23rd [6:00-9:00pm]
Where: Mansfield High School, MA

Tickets are $35 a piece and can be purchased on the website.

Here is the Program for the night.
This has been a great event in the past. Check out some pictures and video here.
Green Schools is looking forward to sharing great Green Resources + Programs
throughout the year at events we attend/host through our Resource Guide & Awards Program Booklet.
We will also post this document on our website [that gets 1,500-1,800 hits
a day], our newsletter, on FaceBook, Twitter, and through the use of other media.

Be included in Green Schools' Resource Guide & Green Difference Awards Program http://www.projectgreenschools.org/media/pdf/gda_resource%20guide.pdf

Nomination form for outstanding Greenie/School/Leader: http://projectgreenschools.org/media/pdf/GreenAwards.pdf

3/15/11: Green Schools Goes to the State House

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:46:00 +0000

Members of Green Schools Board and Staff come together with Advisory Board Member- State Representative Jay Barrows at The MA State House to honor our Student Ambassadors and Green Rockers.

Mansfield News! Three Mansfield students were honored at the Massachusetts State House last Friday, March 4 for their work as Green Schools Student Ambassadors. Mansfield Students get recognized at The State House for their Outstanding Commitment to Environmental Stewardship. Pictured with State Representative Jay Barrows and Executive Director of Green Schools, Robin Organ
Green Rockers receive Honors at The MA State House

3/14/11: Green Rockers, recently honored at MA The State House

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:39:00 +0000

Rockers, recently honored at MA The State House rock The Sad Cafe and a number of events to educate communities about environmental issues and ways kids can make a difference!

These guys were recently honored at The MA State House for their efforts and they will be rocking New England on weekends and events through June!

Please comment on Green Rockers [State House, Sad Cafe+ events] for Earth Care Challenge and we may earn $1,000 to further this environmental education program!http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/photo.php?fbid=1824285520233&set=o.149302365562&theater

One parent commented: "As a parent of one of the Green Rockers, I just want to say how proud we are to have our children be part of Green Schools to help to create greener & healthier learning environments. Green Schools rock! We know that we can all help to make a difference! "

8/2/10: Please help Green Schools and Vote for us!

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:10:00 +0000

Please help Green Schools and VOTE DAILY August 2 - September 10.

http://www.tomsofmaine.com/community-involvement/living-well/finalists-overview/poll

Green Schools was recently selected as 1 of 41 finalists in the Tom's of Maine's 50 States for Good initiative and WE NEED YOUR HELP! Our project, its goals, and its positive impact on the community stood out and we hope to bring our project...100 Green Schools for Good to your School & Community!

The Green Schools organization has a chance at receiving $20,000 in funding once the public voting begins. Green Schools has been able to reach numerous schools and communities with our environmental fairs and educational summits. Our goal is to take a model that we know is highly effective and to duplicate best practices in 100 Schools! Following this event, each school will be challenged to create an environmental project with long-term sustainable impacts on the school, the greater community, and our planet.

Please help Green Schools and VOTE DAILY August 2 - September 10.

50 States for Good is a national initiative to support the goodness behind grassroots community projects and we need you to nominate and vote for Green Schools.

Thank you!

5/27/10: Green Difference Awards - A Huge Success

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:53:00 +0000

The Green Difference Awards were a huge success. Many wonderful schools were awarded and there were several speakers. Miss Massachusetts, Amanda Kelly acted as Master of Ceremonies for the Speakers.

The Reducers played at the beautiful Genzyme Center.

There was a Silent Auction with many great items along with a Live Auction and Raffle.

The table as people walked in.

Boston Latin school speaking about what they have been doing. These students are truly remarkable.
Some video of them talking about what they do:

Here are some videos of the event starting with the awards:

Some of the speakers:

City Councilor at Large John Connolly:

Ava Anderson of Ava Anderson non-toxic:

Mr. Jim Hunt - Chief of Environment Energy in Boston:

Raymond Francis Author of "Never Be Sick Again":

Dr. Bingham who helped Robin:

The Reducers Band:

The Fashion Show:

Green Difference Awards - May 27th

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:43:00 +0000

Join us! This event marks our 2nd Annual Fundraising Event as well as our 2nd Annual Green Difference Awards.

May 27th 6-10 pm

Genzyme Center

500 Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA

Purchase tickets on our web site at http://www.projectgreenschools.org/

Green Schools Summit and Community Fair - April 16th

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 01:55:00 +0000

Green Schools Summit and Community Fair Coming April 16 To Woburn
On April 16, we're hosting our Third Annual Green Schools Summit and Community Fair at Woburn Memorial High School, a certified Green School. This event is ideal for middle school and high school students and teachers, or anyone who is interested in environmental education. Registration is required.

This year, more than 1,400 WMHS students will be participating in Summit activities throughout the day, so space is limited to 200 outside attendees. Be sure to register early!
Date: April 16Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Community Fair (open to the public)Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Green Schools Summit (registration required)Location: Woburn Memorial High School, 88 Montvale Ave., Woburn, MA.

Learn About Other Upcoming Green Schools Events on our website.

3/27/10: Earth Hour

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 16:26:00 +0000

Tomorrow (March 27) at 8:30 p.m. the world will send a powerful message that climate change is a priority that must be dealt with now. By turning off non-essential lighting for one hour, Earth Hour people across the globe will show their support for lasting action to protect Earth's natural resources, environment, and climate.
Earth Hour has grown into a global phenomenon that has captured the world's attention. Each year, individuals, organizations, businesses, and state and local governments come together to show their support by turning off the lights in homes, the workplace, and at iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Las Vegas Strip, Sydney's Opera House, and more. In 2009 alone, people in 4,100 cities in 87 countries on seven continents turned out for Earth Hour.

We encourage the entire Green Schools community to participate and help make Earth Hour 2010 the biggest effort yet. Getting involved is easy.

Sign up at http://www.myearthhour.org/ Show your support, find out what Earth Hour events are happening near you.

Spread the WordInvite your friends and family to join the movement, become a fan on Facebook and post a link to EarthHour.org on your profile page.

Turn off the lightsTurn off your non-essential lighting at 8:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, March 27. Learn more about Earth Hour at http://www.myearthhour.org/.

Girl 2 Girl Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:51:00 +0000

Green Schools present at the Girl 2 Girl Conference Sponsored by The Girl Scouts of Eastern MA. These young ladies were ready to bring The Green Difference back to their communities!

Working hard, but having fun.
Leading

Get Twisted

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:48:00 +0000

Teachers get twisted and educated playing 3Rs Twister at Ever Green: TheThird Annual Conference by the Cape Cod Association of the Young Child andCape Cod Community College.

Green Girl pictured with early educators during a workshop presented byGreen Schools.

Right hand Green!

Day After Day Visit

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:45:00 +0000

Green Schools visits Day After Day which is an after school program in Newtonville,MA. An interactive, environmental presentation was delivered featuring our Sustainable Band.

Diane Erba, Director of Day After Day, pledges to use her reusable shopping bag!

Green Schools performs at The Flaherty School in Braintree, MA

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:41:00 +0000

Green Schools performs at The Flaherty School in Braintree, MA

Check it out!

12/15/09: Support Us With a Positive Posting

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:27:00 +0000

Please support Greenschools project with a positive posting for:

The Knight News Challenge/Grant.

Thank you!!!

11/23/09: Non-Profit Status

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:11:00 +0000

Greenschools Gains Non-Profit Status!

We're pleased to announce that greenschools has been officially recognized by the IRS as a Public Charity. In technical terms, this means we're now a 501(c) (3) organization. In laymen's terms it means we can now apply for grants to further our mission of creating healthier learning environments through education and awareness. In addition, all donations or payments for membership are now tax deductible on your federal tax return.

We're excited about this milestone and hope that it will lead to bigger and better things for our organization and for your schools!

Please support greenschools with your donation. You can donate online or simply mail a check, payable to greenschools, to P.O. Box 323, Mansfield, MA 02048.

10/30/09: Green Girl Promo Video!

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:03:00 +0000

Don't you want Green Girl coming to your school! Check her out.

10/2/09: Van Burens/Sustainable Music Program

noreply@blogger.com (Green Schools) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:14:00 +0000

Wouldn't you love your school to be rockin to these guys?

Also featured on the Bag Monster blog.

Some video:

Looking cool.
Great green hair.
Rockin Out
Bag Monster getting his groove on.