Success story: McKnight Middle School
School District: Renton
School Location: Renton
Began participating in the Green Schools Program: September
2010
Level One of the Green Schools Program: Achieved in May 2011
Waste reduction and recycling
- McKnight Middle School increased its recycling rate from 15 percent to 30 percent.
- The school improved its classroom recycling collection process, and students presented in every class about the new recycling system.
- Students organized a zero-waste lunch challenge.
- The school began to recycle bottles and cans in its lunchroom.
- For the school’s culture night, students made art out of recyclable materials.
- Students wrote letters to district officials about starting collection of compostable materials.
Other conservation actions
- Students wrote letters to district officials to advocate for healthier lunches and for roof-top hydro-electric systems.
- Students made signs to educate the student body and visitors about McKnight’s mini-wetland.
- Students identified native plants and made interpretive signs for the native plant sanctuary.
- Students constructed a community garden.
Comments
“The King County Green Schools Program provided organization and tools that empowered McKnight’s students to step up and take responsibility for increasing McKnight’s recycling rate.” – Carlie Jonas, teacher
For more information about the school’s conservation achievements and participation in the Green Schools Program, contact:
Carlie Jonas, teacher
carlie.jonas@rentonschools.us
Mickie Pemberton, vice principal
micki.pemberton@rentonschools.us