25 States Indicate Intent to Nominate Schools for ED-GRS 2012-2013

25 States have Indicated their Intent to Nominate Schools for ED-GRS 2013

Even before 2013 criteria are published, 25 states have indicated that they intend to participate in ED-GRS 2013 by nominating schools to ED.  State education agencies should indicate their intent to nominate schools in an email to green.ribbon.schools@ed.gov by June 15th.  Schools cannot apply directly to ED and must be nominated by their state education agency. Their participation is voluntary and may depend on hearing from interested schools.

June is National Great Outdoors Month

Here are some ideas of ways to celebrate the Great Outdoors from the National Wildlife Federation and suggestions from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on how to stay safe.  Read how U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools are getting their students outdoors.

 

Overview of the First Cohort of U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools

In closing the first national ceremony recognizing the 2012 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, the director provided an overview of the achievements of the inaugural class of honorees.  See a condensed summary of their accomplishments here.  Read highlights on each of the 78 honorees here.  

Watch the opening plenary remarks [video].

View photos from the event on the Department's Flickr page: 1) Set of General Photos and 2) Set of Presentation and Award Plaques [photos]

ED-GRS Presents the Green Strides Webinar Series: For All Schools Moving Toward the Pillars

The Green Strides Webinar Series kicks off this month to help all schools move toward reduced environmental impact and costs, improved health and education for the challenges of the 21st century.  In the first installment, learn more about the role indoor air quality plays in creating a healthy learning environment.  Stay tuned for the full 2012-2013 Green Strides Webinar Series schedule.

Submit a Recipe and Receive an Invitation to a Kids’ ‘State Dinner’

Let's Move! is teaming up with Epicurious, the Department of Education and USDA to find great lunch ideas that are healthy, affordable, and -- of course – tasty, inviting kids aged eight to 12 from across the country to submit healthy lunch recipes for a chance to win a dinner invite to the White House.  Recipes can be submitted through June 17 online at http://recipechallenge.epicurious.com or via mail.

The 2012 Recycle-Bowl is Now Open

The competition is open to all elementary, middle and high schools. Public, private and charter schools are eligible. Recycle-Bowl participants will track and report how much material they collect during the four-week competition timeframe, competing for cash prizes.  Join Keep America Beautiful for a one-hour Recycle-Bowl webinar on Monday, June 25, at 3pm EDT explaining the competition. Register here.