Parker was named one of four Green Ribbon Schools in San Diego County for its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and improve the health and wellness of students, faculty, and staff. Only 20 public and private schools in the state of California were awarded this distinction, along with three school districts and one county.
The announcement was made Wednesday, March 27 by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Thurmond congratulated this year’s Green Ribbon Schools in a press release:
“California Green Ribbon Schools engage our kids to understand and act on behalf of their environment. From global-sized problems like climate change to local challenges like water quality, sustainability education grows the creativity, critical thinking skills, and environmental literacy our students need in order to lead now and into the future,” Thurmond said.
In order to earn the Green Ribbon, schools must demonstrate exemplary achievement in three areas:
- Reduce environmental impact and costs
- Improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff
- Provide effective environmental education that teaches many disciplines and is especially good at effectively incorporating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, civic skills, and green career pathways
Some of the green initiatives Parker has undertaken include introducing water bottle refill stations throughout both Campuses, composting organic materials such as grass clippings and food waste, and donating uneaten food to the San Diego Rescue Mission, among many others.
Parker representatives will attend a certificate ceremony on April 12 in Rialto, California to commemorate the honor of being named a 2019 Green Ribbon School.
