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