Delaware names three high achieving green ribbon schools

Three Delaware schools are in the running for one of the highest national honors to be awarded after they were named the state’s Green Ribbon award winners.

The 2013 Delaware Green Ribbon winners are Conrad School of Science and Richardson Park Elementary School both of Red Clay School District and St. Andrew’s, which is a private school.

“Congratulations to the educators, students, families and communities who are supporting each of these buildings for working to reduce their building’s environmental impact while championing student learning,” Secretary of Education Mark Murphy said.

What the program recognizes

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Under the Green Ribbon program, schools are recognized for achievement and progress in areas from reducing environmental impact or costs to improving the health of students and staff.

Schools are also challenged to provide effective environmental education by raising green career awareness and incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics also know as STEM.

In the Red Clay School District, Conrad and Richardson Park Schools have taken steps to reduce paper use by starting composting programs. For example, students now sort their lunches into trash, compost and recyclables. Also, the district made energy-efficiency upgrades that will reduce electric and water use.

“Their collaboration has resulted in innovative initiatives that we hope other school communities across the state will learn from and build upon,” added Murphy.

As for St. Andrew’s, 44 percent of the school’s land is devoted to ecologically uses that includes a rain garden managed by the school. Students even learn how environmental pollution often is treated.

“By working to reduce their environmental footprints, these three schools are outstanding examples of creating a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara.

Red Clay’s Baltz and Heritage elementary schools were also recognized for their green efforts along with the three winners that will become Delaware’s nominees for national recognition.

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