by Adrienne Rusbarsky, School Administrator
The U.S. Department of Education named The College School a Green Ribbon School, one of only 78 schools nationwide in 29 states and D.C. to receive this special award. The College School is one of only two Missouri schools and 12 independent schools to be honored. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the first-ever selectees in late April during Earth Week. The national education award recognizes the school for its significant commitment to sustainability initiatives and environmental education. Head of School Sheila Gurley and Sustainability Coordinator Tim Wood traveled to Washington, D.C. in early June to accept the award in a special ceremony.
In his announcement, Secretary Duncan stated, “When we set out a year ago to recognize comprehensive achievement in the areas of environmental impact, health and education, we didn’t know about the quality of the applications we would receive. But we discovered that these schools are engaging in some of the most innovative school reforms anywhere. These approaches are enabling the schools to reduce their environmental impact and costs, improve student health, and ensure that graduates are prepared to face the great challenges of the 21st century.”
He stressed,
“Today’s winners are
also providing a
comprehensive
environmental
education that is
essential to help students
become good citizens,
prepared for life and
work in the 21st century
global economy.”
The U. S. Department of Education has invited Sheila and Tim to present on a Green Ribbon School panel at the Annual Private School Leadership Conference on September 27, 2012 at the U.S. Department of Education headquarters in Washington, D.C. The College School is one of only three schools invited to present.
The conference is designed to bring together leaders from major non-public school organizations, as well as state and local public and private school leaders involved with implementing federal education programs.
The Green Ribbon School panel will consist of an overview provided by the Education Department, followed by three panelist presentations of 15 minutes each and a question and answer period. As panelists, Sheila and Tim will deliver a “Green School Primer,” focusing on replicable practices in the areas of environmental and sustainability education.
Sheila shared, “It is a great honor for The College School to be invited to Washington, D.C. to present and provide leadership to other U.S. schools on Green School initiatives and practices, and to be part of the national dialogue on education and curriculum for the 21st century.”
To learn more about The College School, visit www.thecollegeschool.org or call 314-962-9355.