"Forwood Elementary has been named a Green Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education! Forwood was honored for a number of environmental and energy-savings initiatives, including the development of a Next Generation Science Standards-aligned education program that allows students in all grades to plant, water, and harvest vegetables in raised-bed gardens. Cafeteria staff then serve salads made from the student-raised produce in the school cafeteria. Forwood's cafeteria is undergoing changes as well. Fifth grade students who serve in Leader Corps completed an audit of the school’s trash consumption and identified the need to recycle more plastic water bottles and milk jugs. The school is also working to replace all styrofoam trays with recyclable ones. Forwood has also reduced its energy consumption and continues to educate students and staff about renewable forms of energy, and Leader Corps has developed a series of videos for students to share with their families about the need to promote practical energy solutions.  A huge congratulations to the Forwood Team and especially Leona Williams for her leadership!" (Dr. Mark Holodick, What's Happening Newsletter, May 5, 2017)

Award Honors Schools, Districts, and Postsecondary Institutions for Reducing Environmental Impact and Costs, Improving Health and Wellness, Offering Effective Sustainability Education

The U.S. Department of Education today released the names of the 2017 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability Awardees, and Postsecondary Sustainability Awardees. 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. A state education official was also honored for her efforts to advance school sustainability in the state of Georgia.

“I commend each school, district, and institution of higher education for their efforts to create a healthy learning environment for students, faculty and staff,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.  “These schools have done exemplary work to help prepare the rising generation for the careers and challenges of the 21st Century.” 

The honorees were named from a pool of candidates nominated by 28 states and the Department of Defense Department of Education Activity. The selectees include 39 public schools, including five magnet schools and one charter school, as well as six nonpublic schools. Forty-four percent of the 2017 honorees serve a disadvantaged student body and 14 percent are rural. The postsecondary honorees include three career and technical and community colleges.

The list of all selected schools, districts, colleges, and universities, as well as their nomination packages, can be found here. A report with highlights on the 63 honorees can be found here. More information on the federal recognition award can be found here. Resources for all schools to move toward the three Pillars can be found here.

Delaware Winners:

• Forwood Elementary School

       Wilmington, DE