Number of schools in the district: 5

Participation in the Green Schools Program: Began in April 2010

Green school district, level one: achieved in april 2011

• All five schools in the district have completed Level One of the Green Schools Program by improving waste reduction and recycling practices and Level Two by improving energy conservation practices.
• Two of the five schools — Island Park Elementary and Lakeridge Elementary — also completed Level Three, which is focused on water conservation practices.
• Each school’s success story can be viewed online.
• In 2009-10, the district’s garbage disposal costs were cut in half after waste reduction and recycling programs were expanded.
• Polystyrene (Styrofoam) in school cafeterias was eliminated district-wide, and all trays, plates, bowls and cups are either durable or compostable. Plastic utensils also were discontinued and replaced by durable or compostable silverware.
• Each school lunchroom now collects food scraps and food soiled paper to be composted at Cedar Grove Composting facility.
• The district reduces paper use by distributing parent newsletters electronically.
• District-wide conservation of natural resources is being achieved through many behind-the-scenes efforts, including participation in the City of Mercer Island energy and water audits, tracking of energy use and costs in each school facility, and regular preventive maintenance on heating and ventilation equipment.
• Each school has a Green Schools lead. The Green Schools’ leads and district staff meet regularly to share successes and challenges, and to plan district-wide conservation actions.

Awards

• In May 2013, Mercer Island School District received the Recycler of the Year – Youth Education award from the Washington State Recycling Association.
• Mercer Island School District received a Green District Leader award from the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) in spring 2013. The award is based on criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School award program, and recognizes the district for achievements in Pillar 1 (reduced environmental impact and costs) and Pillar 3 (effective environmental and sustainability education).
• Carolyn Counihan and Liz Evans, parent volunteers at Lakeridge Elementary School, received a King County Earth Hero at School award in April 2013.
• Heather McLyman, teacher at Lakeridge Elementary School, received a King County Earth Hero at School award in April 2013.
• Gary Plano, superintendent, Mercer Island School District, received a King County Earth Hero at School award in April 2012.
• Island Park Elementary School received a King County Earth Hero at School award in April 2011.

• Jamie Cooke, Mercer Island High School teacher, received a King County Earth Hero at School award in April 2011.
• Nancy Weil, parent volunteer and facilitator of the district Green Team, received a King County Earth Hero at School award in April 2011.
• Islander Middle School received a King County Earth Hero at School award in 2009.
• Mercer Island School District was one of 42 districts in Washington to receive an award to implement infrastructure and building systems improvements to yield energy operational cost savings. The grant will be used to help purchase new lighting, replace boilers, and central boiler controls at Mercer Island High School.

Comments

“We are achieving personalized learning and student-centered education through the lens of environmental stewardship. Preserving the environment for future generations is a powerful motivation to enact change. I am very proud of our students and staff.” – Superintendent Gary Plano

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

Gary Plano, superintendent
gary_plano@misd.wednet.edu