The U.S.
Department of Education announced that Castle Creek Elementary is among the
2017 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award honorees.
The school
embeds Green School topics into the curriculum in the way subject matter
standards are presented, materials are developed to present the standards, and
activities and field trips are incorporated to teach the standards. Reducing
the environmental impact of operations through conservation and recycling is a
top priority: Castle Creek has cut 603 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions
over 30 months, and maintains a 60 percent
recycling rate. An outdoor reading room and bird sanctuary allow students to
enjoy the natural habitat around the school while learning. Students, many of
whom participate in the 4-H club, research nature and the environment through
outdoor observations, raised drought-resistant grass, built a nature trail, and
use the school garden to grow fresh vegetables for the school’s food pantry.
“Our students
have taken the initiative to their families who are finding ways to recycle,
reuse, repurpose, save water and save energy,” stated Castle Creek Elementary
Principal Monica Johnson, who serves as secretary for her school’s Dragon Green
Team made up of adults and students. “Our entire school family embraced this initiative
and our motto of “Live Green” in order to benefit our children as they move
forward in their lives.”
Across the
country, 45 schools, nine districts, and nine postsecondary institutions are
being honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and
utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability
education.
Castle Creek
Elementary was named the top green school in Orange County and top green
building in Florida through Sustainable Florida for 2015-16.