Eliot Arts Magnet Academy Wins Bronze in California Green Ribbon Schools Program
Pasadena Unified’s Charles W. Eliot Middle School, the arts magnet, was recognized with a bronze award from the California Green Ribbon Schools recognition program which honors schools that conserve resources while promoting health and environmental literacy. Eliot was among 22 California public schools honored at a ceremony on March 3. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson also announced California’s nominees to compete in the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) recognition program.
“First, they manage their own facilities wisely by saving energy, conserving water, and reducing their impact on the environment. “These schools and districts serve as role models for their students in two important ways,” said Torlakson, who started his public service career as a high school science teacher and coach. Next, they provide innovative education programs that teach students about nature, the importance of clean air and water, and how to make good choices to preserve the environment for future generations.”
The U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools recognition award honors schools, school districts, and institutes of higher education for excellence in resource efficiency, health and wellness, and environmental and sustainability education. The recognition award is part of a larger U.S. Department of Education effort to identify and communicate practices that result in improved student engagement, academic achievement, graduation rates, and workforce preparedness, and reinforces federal efforts to increase energy independence and economic security.
The California Green Ribbon Schools recognition award uses the applications submitted for nomination to ED-GRS to recognize schools and school districts for environmental excellence.
Green Ribbon Schools demonstrate exemplary achievement in three “pillars”:
Pillar I: Reduce environmental impact and costs
Pillar II: Improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff
Pillar III: Provide effective environmental education, which teaches many disciplines, and is especially good at effectively incorporating STEM, civic skills, and green career pathways.
Charles W. Eliot Arts Magnet Academy, 2184 N. Lake Avenue, Altadena, (626) 396-5680 ext. 70002, or visit www.pusd.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=45.