School District: Highline
School Location: Des Moines
Began participating in the Green Schools Program: October 2013

Level One of the Green Schools Program: Achieved in May 2014

Waste reduction and recycling (level one)

• Midway Elementary School increased its recycling rate from 46 percent to 56 percent.
• The school began to collect recyclable materials in classrooms, offices, and the cafeteria.
• In 2014, the school initiated a pilot milk carton recycling program in 15 classrooms.
• In 2014, the school received King County’s waste reduction and recycling assembly and classroom workshops to help educate and inspire students and staff.
• A waste audit was conducted three times during the school year to assess the school’s recycling success and need for improvement.
• Student Green Team members were trained in proper sorting of recyclable materials by a King County Green Schools Program representative.
• The Green Team created three-dimensional posters for the lunchroom recycling stations to inform students about what can and can’t go into recycling and garbage bins.
• Green Team students monitored recycling and garbage containers during breakfast and lunch to ensure proper sorting.
• Midway reduced waste by using durable baskets and bulk condiment dispensers in its lunchroom.
• Monthly announcements were made to the school community emphasizing waste reduction and recycling practices in classrooms and the cafeteria.
• Morning and lunch announcements shared results from the Green Team waste audit, applauded recycling rate increases, and reminded students and staff about what can and can’t be recycled.
• Recycling practices and protocols were presented during staff meetings.
• Green Team students created G.O.O.S. (Good on One Side) boxes for each classroom to collect paper used on one side, allowing students and staff to reduce waste by using paper more efficiently.
• The school communicated with parents and staff via email to reduce paper consumption whenever possible.

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

Jessica Ma, literacy interventionist
Jessica.Ma@highlineschools.org

Rebekah Kim, principal
Rebekah.Kim@highlineschools.org