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King County Green Schools program success story: Glenridge Elementary School

Success story: Glenridge Elementary School

School District: Kent
School Location: Kent
Began participating in the Green Schools Program: August 2012

Level One of the Green Schools Program: Achieved in January 2013
Level Two of the Green Schools Program: Achieved in May 2014
Level Three of the Green Schools Program: Achieved in May 2015

Waste reduction and recycling (level one)

  • Glenridge Elementary maintained a recycling rate of 48 percent.
  • Head custodian Lisa Garrett supervised the collection of recyclable materials and assisted with the school’s conservation efforts.
  • Students assisted Garrett by collecting recyclable materials from classrooms and placing them in hallway recycling containers.
  • School staff placed recycling stickers on classroom and lunchroom recycling containers.
  • The school copy room reduced paper use by providing a “Good On One Side” paper reuse box.
  • As part of a district-wide initiative to reduce waste in the cafeteria, straws were eliminated and plastic-wrapped utensils were replaced with loose utensils.
  • In 2011-12, a student Green Team monitored recycling stations in the lunchroom.
  • Glenridge collected Capri-Sun juice pouches to send to TerraCycle for the company’s recycling program.
  • Glenridge promoted waste reduction and recycling practices during lunchtime announcements.
  • Staff room recycling increased after recycling containers and signs were added to the staff room in 2012.

Energy conservation (level two)

  • Green Team students placed energy conservation signs on all light switches and electronics to remind staff and students to turn them off when not in use.
  • Occupancy sensors were installed on lights in frequently used rooms.
  • Kent School District’s software program shut down non-administrator computers automatically each evening.
  • The school’s thermostats were set between 68 and 70 degrees. Staff and students were encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather rather than adjusting the thermostat settings.
  • Principal Scott Abernathy and district staff shared seasonal reminders to keep school windows and doors closed when heating or cooling systems were turned on in order to conserve energy.
  • The school promoted energy conservation tips on the school’s website.

Water conservation and pollution prevention (level three)

  • The school website shared water conservation information and tips.
  • During times of drought, outdoor watering was limited to maintaining a garden.
  • Members of the school community monitored grounds for wet spots which might indicate water leaks, and reported findings to custodial staff and district maintenance team.
  • To conserve water, the school installed low-flow toilets and faucets, as well as motion sensors on faucets.
  • During an all-school assembly, students and staff were asked not to pour fats, oils or grease down school or home sink drains because that can cause buildup that leads to inefficient water use.

Environmental education

  • Green Team Garden Crew members met on Earth Day and Arbor Day to work on the school’s perennial and annual edible garden. 
  • Green Team Art Crew members created waste reduction and recycling, energy conservation, and water conservation posters that were displayed throughout the school during Earth Week.
  • Members of the Green Team Assembly Crew presented information on waste reduction and recycling, energy conservation, and water conservation during the school’s “Expect the Best: Earth Day” assembly in 2014.

For more information about the school’s conservation achievements and participation in the Green Schools Program, contact:

Lorena Long, administrative assistant
Lorena.Long@kent.k12.wa.us
Sandra DeMarre, building and operations supervisor, Kent School District
Sandy.DeMarre@kent.k12.wa.us
King County Solid Waste Division mission: Waste Prevention, Resource Recovery, Waste Disposal

Contact Us

 Call: 206-477-4466

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