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For immediate release
November 21, 2011

Kathy Toelkes, Director of Communications, 785-296-4876

Kansas to participate in Green Ribbon Schools program

TOPEKA – Kansas will be among the states participating in the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools program, launched earlier this year to recognize schools taking a comprehensive approach to “greening” their school. 

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) is partnering with the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE) to select schools for nomination. Schools that will be considered are those that demonstrate in their application an integration of environmental learning with maximization of positive environmental and health impacts. Up to four schools will be nominated from submitted applications based on their achievement of, or progress toward, the three pillars of the Green Schools program: energy efficient buildings, healthy students and school environment, environmental literacy of all graduates. 

 The Green Ribbon Schools program is part of a larger U.S. Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about practices proven to result in improved student engagement, academic achievement, graduation rates, and workforce preparedness, as well as a government-wide aim to increase energy independence and economic security. Schools receiving a Green Ribbon Schools award will be invited to participate in a national recognition ceremony. 

 The awards are open to both public and private schools. Kansas schools can find the application for the Green Ribbon Schools award and more details for the criteria for selection at the following website, www.kansasgreenschools.org/kansas-green-ribbon-schools. All applications must be submitted online by Jan. 27, 2012. All applications will be reviewed by KSDE and KACEE and up to four will be forwarded to the U.S. Department of Education, which will name about 50 Green Ribbon Schools across the nation. The Green Ribbon Schools awards will be announced on Earth Day in April 2012. 

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