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This program is a unique and inspiring three-day teacher workshop with emphasis on hands-on natural science and physical science investigations. The program uses technology that is designed for use in and out of the classroom. Field trips to the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Pans Garden and other natural areas are included.

The program is hosted by The Arthur R. Marshall Foundation for the Everglades, the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, and the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach.

Join us June 10-12, from 8:30am to 3:30pm. The program is limited to 20 participants and teachers are eligible to received 30 points for professional development (pending approval). The fee is $35 and registration is May 22 – June 7. Email Diana Wilson for additional information.

SECOND ANNUAL U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION GREEN RIBBON SCHOOLS ANNOUNCED; FIRST-EVER DISTRICT AWARDEES NAMED

Award Honors Schools and Districts for Reducing Environmental Impact and Costs; Improving Health; and Offering Environmental Education

 April 22, 2013

Chair of White House Council on Environmental Quality Nancy Sutley and Acting Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Bob Persiacepe joined U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today to announce the second annual U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award honorees.

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Sure, we’ve all heard of Earth Day and know roughly when it takes place each year (April 22), but are you curious about its history? We were, so we looked it up!

The genesis of Earth Day is credited to Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin. After witnessing the ravages of the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, and inspired by the student anti-war movement, he called for an environmental teach-in, later called “Earth Day”, to be held on Wednesday, April 22, 1970. Over 20 million people participated that year, and now Earth Day is observed on April 22 each year by more than one billion people and many national governments in 192 countries. Earth Day appears on calendars around the world.

So, what are YOU doing to celebrate Earth Day this year?!? Here are some suggestions for local events:

“The Green Schools Recognition Program encourages cultures of sustainability

within school communities. This program recognizes schools for taking a holistic

approach to going green that incorporates school ground enhancement, resource

conservation, curriculum connections, and community involvement with a school

wide commitment and focus on sustainability”.

Click here for more information http://www.ourgreenschools.com/index.html

Click here to go apply  http://www.ourgreenschools.com/apply.html

Learn More at: http://www.greenschoolsnationalconference.org

Please Note:
Employees who either live or work within the city limits of the City of West Palm Beach, they can attend for $20/day through sponsorship’s that the city is getting. See this link:

http://www.wpb.org/e4/e4-2013-registration/

Please join me in congratulating Paul Strauss as the new Director of Environmental & Conservation Services.  Paul replaces Chris Skerlec who retired last Friday.

Paul is a 23 year veteran with the School District where he has worked in just about every capacity in the Environmental & Conservation Services Department including, but not limited to, indoor air quality, petroleum tanks and well-field protection.  Before coming to the School District Paul earned a Bachelors degree in Applied Technology from the Florida Institute of Technology and worked for three years at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

In addition to all of his professional certifications and qualifications, Paul is also an talented nature photographer whose photographs have been on display at the Fulton-Holland Educational Service Center and the Norton Museum.
I am confident that Paul will do an excellent job leading the well-respected team which Chris Skerlec assembled over the past several years.  While he has big shoes to fill I have no doubt that Environmental & Conservation Services is in very good hands.

Joseph Sanches

A long holiday break for the District offers a great opportunity to save money on utilities—funds that can be spent in other areas. With this in mind, consider getting your whole school involved in an energy efficient “Holiday Energy Shut Down” before leaving for break.

1. Turn off all lights.
2. Turn off computers, including the CPU, monitor, and printers.
3. Unplug all common-area equipment, including vending machines (except those containing perishable items),water coolers, fax machines and copiers.
4. Defrost, clean and unplug classroom refrigerators.
5. Unplug all personal appliances (fans, microwaves, radios, task lighting) and
6. Turn off all kitchen equipment.
7. Close and lock all windows and doors and make sure window shades are drawn.
8. Check for—and report—water leaks, such as running toilets, leaking faucets, water fountains, and showers.
9. When scheduling events over the Winter Break, use portables and/or confine the activity to one discreet area(e.g., the cafeteria or gymnasium).
10. Ensure that air conditioning units in portables are set to the “Auto” position (reduce HVAC schedules).Thank you for helping the District save valuable resources.

Have a safe & happy holiday season!

Winter Energy Shutdown Tips (PDF)

Christina Davis (formerly Crespo) and her husband Will Davis recently welcomed the birth of their daughter, Elisabeth Evelena Davis. She was born on Sunday, December 2nd at 4:54 pm. She weighed 7.8 pounds and is 20 inches long. She is sleeping and eating like a champ!

CONGRATULATIONS, All-STAR RECYCLERS!

Graceanna Henderson from SP Recycling presents Christina Crespo, the District's recycling coordinator, with a giant check for $1000!

At last week’s School Board meeting, the 10 schools named below were recognized for their outstanding paper recycling efforts during the 2011-12 school year.  SP Recycling presented each school with a check for $100. SP Recycling has been a strong partner in our District’s paper recycling program for many years and we are grateful for their generosity.

Click Image For link to Site
http://learngreenconference.com