School District: Federal Way
School Location: Auburn
Began participating in the Green Schools Program: October 2012

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

Waste reduction and recycling (level one)

• Meredith Hill Elementary increased its recycling rate from 20 percent to 51 percent.
• Thanks to improved recycling practices, Meredith Hill decreased its garbage collection service from an 8-yard Dumpster to a to a 6-yard Dumpster.
• Para-educator Penny Copeland, with assistance from the King County Green Schools Program, developed a plan for a school-wide school recycling program. She presented the plan at staff meetings and to students in the lunchroom.
• In December 2012, Meredith Hill Elementary
  • Received King County’s waste reduction and recycling assembly to help educate and inspire students and staff.
  • Recruited and formed a student Green Team.
• In February 2013, every grade level received training from the King County Green Schools Program on how to sort recyclable and compostable materials. Fifth grade classes were also trained to assist with the school’s recycling program.
• By the end of March 2013, with leadership and support from Copeland and head custodian Joanne Yale, the school was collecting recyclable and compostable materials in the lunchroom and staff lounge.
• Green Team students created posters using images of garbage and recyclable items from the school’s waste stream.
• Students wear King County Green Team aprons to identify themselves as recycling station monitors, and assist other students with proper sorting at breakfast and lunch recycling stations.

• The school promotes waste free lunches, encourages students to “take only what you will eat and eat what you take,” and established a share table in the lunchroom.
• Meredith Hill reduces paper use by sending its parent newsletter electronically.  The school’s successful recycling program was shared with families in the March 2013 newsletter.
• Staff members use durable dishes in the staff lounge.  Meredith Hill also uses a variety of reusable products, such as visitor badges, hall passes, table cloths, flower vases, and party decorations.  
• The school promotes waste reduction and recycling practices in staff bulletins, during staff meetings, and at morning assemblies and lunchtime.

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

Penny Copeland, para-educator
pcopelan@fwps.org

Cindy Kelsey, principal
ckelsey@fwps.org