School District: Kent
School Location: Renton
Began participating in the Green Schools Program: February 2013

Level One of the Green Schools Program: Achieved in May 2013

Waste reduction and recycling (level one)

• Principal Colleen Nelson, custodian Ray Clark, and student volunteers supported and improved the school’s recycling program during the 2012-13 school year by making announcements, displaying posters, and helping students learn how to sort their recyclable materials and garbage at cafeteria recycling stations.

• The school started a student Green Team recycling club in 2012-13. The team met after school and during lunch.
• By May 2013, the school reached a recycling rate of 54 percent.
• To reduce food waste, students may place or take unopened, packaged lunch items on a share table in the cafeteria.
• Office staff canceled unwanted newspaper and magazine subscriptions to reduce paper waste.
• Northwood conserves paper by making double-sided copies, writing on both sides, and using whiteboards and overhead projectors instead of paper hand-outs.
• Seventh and eighth grade students participated in King County classroom workshops to learn about conversation of resources and the importance of biodiversity.

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

Ray Clark, custodian
Raymond.Clark@kent.k12.wa.us

Colleen Nelson, principal
Colleen.Nelson@kent.k12.wa.us

Beth Gilbertson, environmental services supervisor, Kent School District
Beth.Gilbertson@kent.k12.wa.us