Evergreen Charter School Nominated for Green Ribbon School Award
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| Evergreen students harvesting greens. Photo: Urban News |
Staff reports
Evergreen Community Charter School was selected as a nominee from North Carolina for the Green Ribbon Schools award.
This recognition is the first comprehensive federal policy for schools related to environment, health, and education through the U.S. Department of Education. The award acknowledges the work of schools in reaching high levels of achievement in environmental impact and energy efficiency, healthy environment, and environmental literacy.
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| Evergreen students sorting greens. Photo: Urban News |
The Green Ribbon Schools web site explains, “The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools will recognize schools that save energy, reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect health, foster wellness, and offer environmental education to boost academic achievement and community engagement. The recognition award is part of a larger U.S. Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about practices proven to result in improved student engagement, academic achievement, graduation rates, and workforce preparedness, as well as a government-wide aim to increase energy independence and economic security.”
As part of its green policy and making their school eligible for the award, Evergreen fifth graders harvested 12 lbs. of organic collard greens from the school’s community garden, then packaged the produce and donated it to MANNA Foodbank in Asheville.
In addition to Evergreen other NC nominees are the American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro, Green Hope High School in Cary, and Moore Square Museums Magnet Middle School in Raleigh.
For more information on the Green Ribbon Schools award visit www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools . For more information about Evergreen Charter School, visit www.evergreenccs.org , or contact Eleanor Ashton at (828) 298-2173 ext. 5, or [email protected].
