News Release
6/13/2017
Aurora, ON – Students in more than half of schools across York Region District School Board are being recognized by Ontario EcoSchools for their efforts to divert waste, reduce energy and support environmental stewardship.
This year, 116 schools and three outdoor education centres received EcoSchool certification, an increase from 113 schools last year. The number of platinum-certified schools doubled from seven to 14. In addition six schools received bronze, 35 silver and 61 gold.
Student-led activities include:
- organizing EcoFairs, nature walks and community clean-ups
- leading assemblies to share how actions affect the environment
- performing waste and recycling audits to improve waste diversion
- performing energy audits and holding lights-out lunches, electronics-off campaigns and participating in Earth Hour to reduce energy use
- planning, creating and maintaining soup, vegetable and pollinator gardens
- increasing the use of reusable water bottles
“We are so proud of the efforts of our students, staff and communities. They are showing real leadership when it comes to raising awareness and modelling environmental sustainability in our communities,” said Loralea Carruthers, Chair of the Board.
“Our schools are demonstrating the importance of individual and collective actions and awareness when it comes to reducing our ecological footprint. Congratulations to all of our EcoSchools for your efforts and achievements,” said Kathryn Wallace, Interim Director of Education.
“The Ontario EcoSchools program motivates and inspires school communities to take action. Certification provides a framework for integrating environmental learning and action in and beyond school walls. This year, over 1,830 schools in 56 school boards are participating - a record number that demonstrates a growing, student-led movement,” said Elanor Waslander, Executive Director, Ontario EcoSchools.
Ontario EcoSchools is an environmental education and certification program for grades K-12 that nurtures environmental leaders, reduces the ecological impact of schools, and builds environmentally responsible school communities.
York Region District School Board is the third largest school district in Ontario with over 123,000 students in 176 elementary schools and 32 secondary schools. York Region students consistently perform above average in provincial testing and the Board is one of the top achievers in Ontario. For more information about the York Region District School Board, please visit the Board website and follow @YRDSB on Twitter.
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