Goshen Community School receives U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools 2019 Award
Goshen Community Schools relies on economic resources to secure high standards of education, now and for future students. We also seek to protect and enhance our environment, now and for our future students. Sustainable practices tries to reconcile these two objectives.
GCS continues to work toward being a good steward of the environment and also of limited tax dollars with we which operate. We're moving our school district to become increasingly more sustainable. The aim of U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) is to inspire schools districts to strive for 21st-century excellence by highlighting promising school sustainability practices and resources that all can employ. To that end, the award recognizes schools, districts, that:
- reduce environmental impact and costs;
- improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and
- provide effective environmental and sustainability education
Combined progress in ALL three of these areas, known as Pillars, serves as the basis for recognition. ED-GRS aligns with the U.S. Department of Education’s (Department’s or ED’s) cross-cutting goals for education, including improving student, staff, and facility performance and increasing efficiency at federal, state, and local levels. It is part of an ED effort to identify and communicate practices that result in improved student engagement, academic achievement, graduation rates, and workforce preparedness.
Encouraging resource-efficient school districts allows administrators to dedicate more resources to instruction rather than operational costs. Healthy schools and wellness practices ensure that all students learn in an environment conducive to achieving their full potential. Outdoor, environmental, and sustainability education helps all students engage in hands-on, authentic learning; hone critical thinking and collaboration skills; stay active and fit; and develop a solid foundation in many disciplines.
As the Energy Specialist for GCS I would like to thank each GCS colleague and acknowledge that we all share in this award. GCS board members, administrators, teachers, school nutrition services, technology services, school counselors and nurses. Also, all support staff including but not limited to, secretaries, bookkeepers, custodians, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, and grounds keepers. And lastly, thank you GCS students and families, for the privilege of being on this educational journey with you. You inspire us to continually look to a more sustainable future for our corporation and community.
Green Strides: Resources for School Facilities, Health, and Environment
U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools