Three Illinois public schools were nominated Friday for a Green Ribbon Schools award during the 2012 Go Green Schools Symposium in Chicago.
Thomas J. Waters Elementary School and Academy for Global Citizenship, both in Chicago, and Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake were recognized in the U.S Department of Education’s inaugural Green Ribbon Schools award program.
The program recognizes achievements in environmental awareness, student and staff health, and the environmental literacy of graduates in schools.
“These schools are leaders in the green movement and proof that if everyone does a little, we can accomplish a lot towards our goal of making Illinois the greenest state in America,” said Gov. Pat Quinn in a statement.
Among the topics discussed were green school construction and renovation, energy usage in the classroom, environmental education and health, and ways to finance future sustainability projects.
The symposium also provided workshops for participants to brainstorm new ideas for making schools across Illinois more sustainable.
“A central focus of our sustainability efforts is to build a better environment for our children,” said Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Chicago Karen Weigert. “We are proud that Chicago schools are leaders in this effort.”
Illinois is among 33 states participating in the Green Ribbon Schools award program, and the winners will be honored locally and nationally after the winning announcement is made on April 23.
For information on the program and the school finalists visit www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools.
