Michigan Ag Connection - Interlochen Earns U.S. Education Department Green Ribbon

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Interlochen Earns U.S. Education Department Green Ribbon
Michigan Ag Connection - 05/24/2019

A Michigan school, one of nearly 50 schools and districts nationwide being recognized for their environmental sustainability efforts, has been named a 2019 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School (ED-GRS).

Interlochen Arts Academy, a boarding high school that prepares students for careers in the arts, was selected as an ED-GRS for becoming a model of sustainability for its students, staff, faculty, families, and community near Traverse City in northern lower Michigan.

"We're proud to have a 2019 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School in Michigan, as its designation emphasizes the whole child and encourages resource-efficient schools that allow educators to devote more time and resources to education," Interim State Superintendent Sheila Alles said. "Healthy schools and wellness practices help all students reach their full potential and this is helping Michigan become a Top 10 education state in 10 years."

Nationwide, 35 schools, 14 districts, and four 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.

Combined progress in all three of these areas, known as Pillars, serves as the basis for the recognition of Interlochen Arts Academy and the other Green Schools and sustainability awardees.

Now in its eighth year, the federal recognition program's 2019 honorees include 35 public schools, including three magnet schools and two charter schools, as well as 10 nonpublic schools.

The honors fall into three categories: Green Ribbon Schools; District Sustainability Awardees; and Postsecondary Sustainability Awardees. The Michigan Department of Education submits nominations only in the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools designation category.

Schools, districts, and postsecondary institutions apply for the award through their state education departments. State participation in the program is voluntary; not all states participate.

States generally submit their nominees to the U.S. Department of Education in February. Each may nominate up to five PK-12 schools and districts and a single postsecondary institution.

ED-GRS's goal is to inspire schools, districts, and postsecondary institutions to strive for 21st Century excellence by highlighting promising practices and resources that all schools can employ. Honorees will attend a September 25 ceremony in Washington, D.C., and will receive an engraved sustainable plaque.

The list of all selected schools, districts, colleges, and universities, as well as their nomination packages, can be found at https://www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools/awards.html

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