Engaged School Communities Help to Ensure Nutritious Lunches

Provide Input to Guide ED on Civic Learning

At a White House event in January, the Administration released “Civic Learning and Engagement in Democracy”), a road map and call to action to prepare all students for citizenship as informed, engaged and responsible members of society.  Now, ED is seeking the public’s input on how it understands “civic learning and engagement activities” and can best support these activities.  Please submit comments before Nov. 30^th on the blog or to civiclearning@ed.gov. 

Regarding School Lunch, in Green Schools, There's Really No Debate.  

ED-Green Ribbon Schools dish out all the colors of the fresh and local produce rainbow, and many grow their own. They have nixed sugary juices, milks and soft drinks, and encourage students to fill their reusable bottles with water. They prepare their meals, understand where their food comes from, and compost and recycle waste. Fresh food delivers more nutrients, reduces carbon emissions, connects schools to their communities and benefits the local economy. Read how informed, engaged students and parents can improve school lunches.>>> And how you can celebrate National School Lunch Week. The Harlem Globe Trotters agree. Find resources on healthy lunches and school gardens here.

 

This week, attend a free Green Strides Webinar Series session with the USDA on the new school lunch standards, The School Day Just Got Healthier, On Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012, 3-4 p.m. EST. We’ve tracked down the best in federal school resources to provide the following upcoming sessions:

Oct. 17, 2012, 2-3 p.m.: Why Environmental Health in School Matters (EPA)

Oct. 24, 2012, 4-5 p.m.: Investigating the Climate System (NASA)

Nov. 1, 2012, 3-4 p.m.: Chesapeake Exploration: Accessing and Using NOAA Data in the Classroom (NOAA)

Nov. 7, 2012, 2-3 p.m. Integrated School Health Tools for Districts (EPA)

Nov. 14, 2012, 2-3 p.m. Train Like an Astronaut (NASA)

Nov. 28, 2012, 2-3 p.m. Hands on the Land (DOI)

Through the Green Strides Webinar Series, hundreds are tuning in to learn how to reduce their schools’ environmental impact and costs; improve health and wellness; and teach effective environmental literacy, including STEM, green careers, and civic engagement.

Where do I obtain information on ED-GRS applications?

Inquire with your state authority if you would like to apply for its nomination.  Most states will publish their selection processes in early fall. Several applications are already open!  Remember that your school, whether public or private, must apply through an eligible nominating authority, such as a state department of education or the Bureau of Indian Education.  Should a state choose not to nominate schools, neither public nor private schools from that state can be selected by ED. All 2012-2013 participating authorities are listed here.