ED-GRS Announces 2016 Director’s Award Recipient

ED has selected Bernard E. Piaia, Jr., Director of the Office of School Facilities at the New Jersey Department of Education as the 2016 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Director’s Award Recipient.  Bernie will be honored, alongside schools, districts, and postsecondary institutions at a ceremony in Washington, DC on July 20th.

The Director’s Award recognizes a state education official’s exemplary efforts to administer the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) recognition award.  The ED-GRS Director’s Award is given annually to the state education agency official who does the most to advance green schools in his or her state by running a robust competition and nomination process; connecting schools to resources in all three Pillars; amplifying the stories of honorees; helping schools learn from one another; partnering with a variety of entities to bring more resources and expertise into schools; and exhibiting a dedication to exceptional school facilities, health, and environmental education through activities outside of the administration of the award.  

Bernie piloted ED-GRS in New Jersey and gave the award a permanent home in his state.  He hosted a leg of the 2013 Green Strides Tour and developed mechanisms to use honorees to incentivize more schools.  Bernie has built lasting partnerships with numerous state entities and encouraged his state to participate in the postsecondary competition, in addition to K-12.  Every year, Bernie submits his nominees and then immediately looks for opportunities to improve his process in subsequent cycles.  Bernie’s leadership and dedication have been integral to the award’s success in New Jersey.

ED to Announce 2016 Honorees on Earth Day, April 22nd

Each year, U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) asks state authorities to send their highest performing nominees (up to five PK-12 schools or districts and one postsecondary institution) in three areas that we call Pillars.  Pillar I is “Reducing Environmental Impact and Costs,” including waste, water, greenhouse gases, energy, and alternative transportation.  Pillar II is “Improving Health and Wellness,” including physical activity, nutrition, and environmental health.  Pillar III is “Teaching Effective Environmental Education, including STEM, civics, and green careers.  The federal review and selection process is nearly complete.  Secretary of Education John King’s announcement of the 2016 honorees will be made available on the Department’s YouTube site at 2 p.m. ET on April 22, 2016. >>>>

Exciting New Opportunities for Environmental Educators

The North American Association for Environmental Education recently launched a new platform specifically for environmental educators.  EEPRO is an online community to connect environmental education professionals from around the world to each other and to the most effective professional development resources available in our field. Anyone can join eePRO, and gain access to job opportunities, webinars, online courses, workshops, and a variety of other resources.  Participants can also post resources, events, jobs, and other happenings to share with others. >>>>

Every Kid In the Park Prepares for A Second Cohort of Fourth-Graders!

As part of President Obama’s commitment to protect our nation’s unique outdoor spaces and ensure that every American has the opportunity to visit and enjoy them, the Every Kid in a Park initiative allows fourth graders nationwide to obtain a pass for free entry for them and their families to more than 2,000 federally managed lands and waters nationwide for an entire year.  The second year of this annual program will begin on September 1.  Parents, teachers, and community organizations can lead fun, educational outings for kids currently in the 4th grade to any national park, national forest, or other federal land or water site across the country.  More information to help plan trips is available on the Every Kid in a Park website and Scholastic has developed activities.  A North Face transportation grant is available until April 5th.  You can follow Every Kid in the Park on Twitter and Facebook.  >>>>

GreenSchools for Early Childhood

Many ED-GRS honorees have used Project Learning Tree resources over the years.  PLT has just expanded its GreenSchools program to specifically meet the needs of early childhood educators and younger learners.  GreenSchools for Early Childhood includes an Educator Guide and five Investigations that teach young children about their environment and how they can make a difference, while developing their skills in language, mathematics, and science. >>>>

Submit a Recipe to the First Lady’s Fifth Annual Healthy Lunchtime Challenge by April 4

The 2016 Healthy Lunchtime Challenge is here! The First Lady is inviting kids 8-12 across the country to create healthy, delicious, affordable recipes for a chance to attend this year’s ‪Kids State Dinner >>>>

EPA’s Local Environmental Education Grant Proposals Due Apr. 8

The EPA is looking to support locally-focused environmental education (EE) projects that increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues. Projects should promote environmental stewardship and help develop informed, knowledgeable, and responsible citizens in the community(ies) in which the project is located.  >>>>

National Healthy Schools Day is April 5th

Since 2002, parents, teachers, school nurses, custodians, advocates, and agencies have promoted National Healthy Schools Day activities nationwide.  Whether you are at the beginning stages of investigating school environments or have an established indoor environmental quality program, you are invited to host a local activity that educates others and celebrates your school’s successes. National Healthy Schools Day promotes the use of EPA's IAQ Tools for Schools guidance as well as other EPA environmental health guidelines and programs for schools and children’s health.  >>>>

National Environmental Education Week is April 17-23

National Environmental Education Week (EE Week) is held each spring around the time of Earth Day and inspires environmental learning and stewardship among K-12 students. This year, the theme is “Greening STEM: Rooted in Math.”  EE Week celebrates the educators who are making a difference in environmental education and STEM learning and provides them with the resources they need to continue inspiring the next generation of lifelong environmental learners. >>>>

National Arbor Day is April 29th

National Arbor Day is always celebrated on the last Friday in April, but many states observe Arbor Day on different dates throughout the year based on best tree planting times in their area.  Find resources to get involved in this celebration of trees. >>>>

The International Young Environmentalists Youth Summit is May 13-14

The International Young Environmentalists Youth Summit (IYEYS) is a youth-imagined and -executed event aimed at providing young environmentalists the tools they need to take their campaigns to the next level.  From youth who have started global organizations, to youth who are leading school-based environmental projects, IYEYS is for everyone.  The conference also welcomes adults who are looking to learn more about how to implement youth leadership and engagement strategies into their classrooms, organizations, or businesses.  >>>>