By Bay City News.
Two Bay Area schools are among four statewide and 26 nationwide with Green Ribbon honors for their efforts to reduce environmental impacts and improve health and wellness, the Department of Public Safety announced this week. US Education
Bellarmine College Preparatory, a private Jesuit school in San José, and Redwood High School in Redwood City received the honor along with elementary schools in San Diego County and Orange County.
“Our 2023 US Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools have raised the bar for sustainable practices, energy efficiency, health and wellness, and hands-on learning experiences that enhance students' problem-solving skills and foster a sense of environmental stewardship and civic responsibility," Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement.
The award winners, who will be invited to a ceremony in Washington, DC to celebrate, were also praised by California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who said they "exemplify leading-edge models for improving indoor air quality, outdoor classrooms and all school environmental education.
Bellarmine Principal Sonya Arriola said, "She is tremendously proud of our institutional commitment to environmental sustainability... It is our deepest hope that our students and community see this recognition as a continuing call to action: to use their collective talents to study and ultimately address the complex challenges facing our world around climate and sustainability.”
Bellarmine noted that its campus includes a garden for outdoor course instruction, uses biodegradables and other green products on campus, and has rooftop solar panel systems.
Redwood High School was honored for its programs, including having a full-time outdoor education partner to manage the school garden and integrate environmental science into the school's curriculum. The school also has an organic food forest with a greenhouse and chicken coop designed and built by the students. More information about the Green Ribbon Schools program can be found on the website https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/fa/sf/greenribbonprog.asp.
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