School District: Kent
School Location: Kent
Began participating in the Green Schools Program: December 2011

Level One of the Green Schools Program: Achieved in May 2012
Level Two of the Green Schools Program: Achieved in May 2012
Level Three of the Green Schools Program: Achieved in June 2014

Waste reduction and recycling (level one)

• East Hill Elementary reached a recycling rate of 50 percent.
• Thanks to the school’s recycling success, garbage service was reduced from a 6-yard Dumpster collected twice each week to an 8-yard Dumpster collected once each week. This change saved the school district more than $2,400 annually.
• Shannon McAbee, head custodian, oversaw recycling collection and assisted with the school’s conservation efforts.
• Teachers monitored and reminded students of proper recycling practices throughout the school year.
• School staff placed recycling stickers on classroom and lunchroom recycling containers.
• Student Green Team members created a recycling poster that was placed in the school’s lunchroom.
• To reduce paper use, each classroom and the school office has a paper reuse box in which paper that’s only been used on one side was made available to students and staff.
• Waste reduction and recycling practices were promoted in staff meetings, regular PA and lunch announcements, and in the school newsletter to families.
• Waste-free lunches were promoted during January 2012 lunch announcements.
• 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.
• The East Hill Green Schools team organized a school-wide "Green Day" in May 2012 to promote recycling, energy conservation and protecting the environment.
• In December 2013, the school received King County’s waste reduction and recycling assembly to help educate and inspire students and staff.

Energy conservation (level two)

• The East Hill Green Schools team placed energy conservation labels near all light switches and electrical equipment in the school reminding staff and students to turn them off when not in use.
• During the winter months, students and staff were encouraged to dress appropriately for the season.
• All school thermostats were set at 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Energy conservation facts and tips were included in PA announcements.
• School computers are automatically shut down each night through the use of district software.

Water conservation and pollution prevention (level three)

• Student Green Team members shared water conservation tips and used the regional Puget Sound Starts Here campaign to create announcements on how students, faculty and families can help reduce stormwater pollution. Recommendations from the Puget Sound Starts Here campaign were also included in a school newsletter article.
• Fourth and fifth grade students attended a water festival at Green River Community College. Students learned about watersheds, how water is used, and ways they can conserve water.
• Water conservation signs were posted near sinks and faucets to remind staff and students to turn off the faucets when not in use.
• Most faucets were equipped with sensors to automatically turn off when not in use.
• East Hill Elementary installed faucet aerators, low-flow toilets, and Energy Star dishwashers to conserve water.
• A Kent School District policy reduced water use by limiting irrigation to play fields and sports fields only.
• Second grade students planted native rhododendrons in an area on campus.

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

Daxa Thomas, principal  
Daxa.Thomas@kent.k12.wa.us

Shannon McAbee, head custodian
Shannon.McAbee@kent.k12.wa.us

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