Green Ribbon Schools Information

The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) recognition award honors schools that are exemplary in reducing environmental impact and costs; improving the health and wellness of students and staff; and providing effective environmental and sustainability education, which incorporates STEM, civic skills and green career pathways. The recognition award is part of a larger U.S. Department of Education (ED) effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about practices that are proven to result in improved student engagement, higher academic achievement and graduation rates, and workforce preparedness, as well as a government wide goal of increasing energy independence and economic security.

A primary goal of ED-GRS is to inspire schools to strive for 21st century excellence. To that end, the award recognizes schools that:

• Reduce environmental impact and costs;
• Improve the health and wellness of schools, students and staff; and
• Provide effective environmental and sustainability literacy, incorporating STEM, civic skills and green career pathways.

Combined achievement in these three areas, collectively known as "Pillars," serves as the basis for recognition. Each Pillar is divided into Elements, which provide further guidance on each of the three main areas. This recognition award aligns with the Department’s cross-cutting goals for education, including improving student, staff, and facility performance as well as efficiency at the federal, state, and local levels. Encouraging efficient schools allows administrators to dedicate more resources to education rather than utility costs. Healthy schools and good wellness practices ensure that all students learn in an environment conducive to achieving their full potential, free of the health disparities that can aggravate achievement gaps. Environmental and sustainability education helps all students engage in hands on learning, hone critical thinking skills and develop a solid foundation in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

More information on the national program is available on the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools web site.

The New Hampshire Department of Education may nominate up to four schools, including one private school, and one school district for recognition. To be nominated, a school or district must demonstrate exemplary achievement in all three of the pillars. The application may be found on the Green Ribbon Schools Application Template web page.

Applications must be submitted by e-mail and may not exceed 17 pages when printed. Applications are due to the NH Department of Education no later than 4:00 PM on December 10, 2012. Any district wishing to apply as a district may modify the application form as necessary to present district level information.