Manhattan Beach Unified Nominated as Green Ribbon Schools

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson on Friday nominated three California school districts and two individual schools to compete in the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools recognition program, which honors schools that conserve resources while promoting health and environmental literacy.

The nominees are the Los Angeles Unified School District, the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, the San Francisco Unified School District, the Bay Farm School of Alameda County, and the private Bishop O’Dowd High School of Oakland.

The schools and districts were also named “Green Achievers,” the highest honor in the California Green Ribbon Schools recognition program, according to a statement from Torlakson’s office.

“I commend these schools and districts for reducing their environmental footprints and engaging students using sustainability and the environment as the context for learning,” Torlakson said. “Their efforts are helping to build healthier, more resilient communities and a more prosperous California.”

Green Ribbon Schools demonstrate exemplary achievement in what the Department of Education calls three “pillars:” Pillar I -- reduce environmental impact and costs; Pillar II -- improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; Pillar III -- provide effective environmental education that teaches many disciplines and is especially good at effectively incorporating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, civic skills, and green career pathways.

California is one of 25 states as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity that are expected to nominate schools and districts for federal recognition this year. The U.S. Department of Education will confirm state nominees on Earth Day, April 22, 2016.

--City News Service, photo courtesy of the MBUSD