U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School District Sustainability Awardee - The School District of University City

Congratulations to University City to be awarded such an honor!

As of April 22, 2022, the School District of University City has been awarded the Green Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. Read more about the award below from the U.S. Department of Education below.

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The aim of U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) is to inspire schools, districts, and institutions of higher education (IHEs) to strive for 21st-century excellence by highlighting promising school sustainability practices and resources that all can employ. To that end, the award recognizes schools, districts, and IHEs that:

1. reduce environmental impact and costs;
2. improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and
3. provide effective environmental and sustainability education

Combined progress in ALL three of these areas, known as Pillars, serves as the basis for recognition.

“This is a distinguished national list and I’m proud of both Missouri institutions for earning this special honor,” said Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven. “I’m impressed by the innovative ideas employed by both The School District of University City and Principia School to support the health and wellness of their students and staff and to ensure environmentally-friendly practices are incorporated into their school culture.”
 
In recent years, The School District of University City constructed multiple Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified elementary schools, 25 solar panels, and 49,000 square feet of rain gardens for water conservation. The district has utilized the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model to monitor and promote holistic wellness across environmental health, medical and mental health, and racial equity. The district is also recognized as a leader in project-based environmental and sustainability education, with outdoor “STEAM Labs” at every school campus, complete with a garden facilitator and multidisciplinary lessons.

Across the country, 27 schools, five districts, and four postsecondary institutions were honored as 2022 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools.
 
The list of all selected schools, districts, colleges, and universities, as well as their nomination information, can be found here. More information on this federal recognition award can be found here.

Other links:

• Video Message from the Secretary Announcing the 2022 Honorees
  
• Highlights from the 2022 Honorees PDF (6.34M)
• ED-GRS in the News MS Word (155K)