Greening Your Schools & Cafeteria & through Youth Engagement Presented by Green

About Green Schools… About Green Schools… “Green Schools’ innovative programming will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water quality, expand alternative transportation, and help our kids become the next generation of environmental leaders” – US Secretary of State, John

Green Schools provides EE Programs & Resources to K-12 Schools & based on the following

Green Schools Student & School Opportunities! FREE School or District Membership FREE School or District Membership National Green Schools Society National Green Schools Society [Chapter or Individual] [Chapter or Individual] Graduate with ENVIRONMENTAL HONORS Graduate with ENVIRONMENTAL HONORS from National Green Schools Society from National Green Schools Society National GS Student Advisory Council National GS Student Advisory Council Receive Special Awards & Recognitions Receive Special Awards & Recognitions Become an Intern, Fellow [College], Become an Intern, Fellow [College], Mentor, or Advisor Mentor, or

National Green Schools Society [NGSS/NJGSS] NGSS is an Environmental Honor Society specially designed for students in Grades 2‐12. NGSS honors and develops bright, civic-minded, environmentally literate citizens, in your schools & communities! Start a Chapter of NGSS Today! National Green Schools Society [Grades 9‐12] National Green Schools Society - Junior [Grades 5‐8] National Green Schools Society – Elementary [Grades 2‐5] NGSS Handbook Includes: Introduction Point System Officer Information Induction Ceremony Student Awards Special Projects Fundraising ideas and more… Honor Stoles can be ordered for Graduation. Includes everything you need to start and run a student‐led environmental organization Includes unlimited Student

NGSS and Green Careers At the high school level, in particular, we want to make sure that our NGSS student members aware of green careers and fields of study for college majors. We have several partners that we work closely with to provide students with detailed information about how they can find out more about green and sustainability careers. Our internship and community partner service hour requirement is intended to help students engage with a business, agency, organization, or mentor that has experience in green and sustainable business processes, products, or services. Career and college readiness programs in high schools can use the NGSS Green Careers resources to guide students and support them in making green career

NGSS has been recognized for its inclusion and development of eSTEM projects in schools. NGSS encourages student members to design their projects around 21st Century Skills, innovation, and the development of skills to align with Green Careers and sustainability and environmental majors at the university level. NGSS student members who are interested in STEM‐related projects should focus on these areas: Agriculture Architecture Biological and bio‐medical sciences Computer and information sciences Conservation Engineering and engineering technology/technicians Environmental health Health professionals and clinical sciences Mathematics and statistics Natural resources management Physical sciences Renewable energy

The Green Difference Awards Since 2007, The Green Difference Awards have honored and empowered environmental excellence, innovation, and stewardship led in schools, organizations, and communities. Schools, administrators, students, clubs, organizations, and outstanding environmental leaders of all ages and from across the nation are recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Green Schools movement. Since 2007, Green Schools, Inc. has inspired and recognized Best Practices and Excellence throughout our nation. This recognition program allows environmental leaders to not only be recognized for their efforts, but to share exemplar models and initiatives in hopes of sparking The Green Difference in

Green Schools and Farm to School/Caf Farm to school enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and preschools. INNOVATION & STEM ALIGNMENT!

Green & Healthy Students gain access to healthy, local foods as well as education opportunities such as school gardens, cooking lessons and farm field trips. Farm to school empowers children and their families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local economy and contributing to vibrant communities.

Farm to School/Caf IMPLEMENTATION Farm to school implementation differs by location but always includes one or more of the following: Procurement: Local foods are purchased, promoted and served in the cafeteria or as a snack or taste-test; Education: Students participate in education activities related to agriculture, food, health or nutrition; and School gardens: Students engage in hands-on learning through gardening.

Is your school the next Green Ribbon

A Means To Use Existing Resources to Achieve Current National Goals… GRS Improves Economic Health & Stability Improves the school facilities and create jobs. Conserves measures save schools money. Prepares us for the green economy. Strengthens the nation's energy security. Conserves critical natural

…And Educators’ goals GRS on Student Achievement Fosters health, wellness and achievement Provides a well-rounded education Increases STEM/STEAM/ESTEAM skills, knowledge and engagement Ensures students’ college and career preparedness Increases civic skills and

Best Student-Led Green Practices ACTIVITY: Create a list of 10 Student – led Farm to Create a list of 10 Student – led Farm to Caf/School Practices & Projects to advance the GREENING YOUR SCHOOL Caf/School Practices & Projects to advance the GREENING YOUR

Resources: The Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program is an expanded version of the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), a competitive grants program Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (USDA) USDA Farm to School Program is operated by the Department’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) us at Guide: Procuring Local Foods for Child Nutrition Programs The USDA Farm to School Planning Toolkit Green Schools 12 Pathways!

Ideas: Encourage teachers to conduct Farm to School/Cafeteria lesson plans in their classrooms. Integrate a school garden as an outdoor classroom. Take Field trips to local farms. Provide Taste Tests in the school cafeteria. Cook in the classroom. Grow indoors. Integrate hydroponics and vertical gardens Have Healthy Food & Family Fundraisers AND DON’T FORGET TO INTEGRATE STEM/E-STEM!!

Grow Your Farm to School / Cafeteria Program 1.Building Your Farm to School TeamBuilding Your Farm to School Team 2.Establishing a Vision and GoalsEstablishing a Vision and Goals 3.Defining Local and Finding Local FoodsDefining Local and Finding Local Foods 4.Buying Local FoodsBuying Local Foods 5.Menu PlanningMenu Planning 6.Food SafetyFood Safety 7.Promoting Your ProgramPromoting Your Program 8.School GardeningSchool Gardening 9.Education & Curriculum IntegrationEducation & Curriculum Integration 10.Evaluating Your EffortsEvaluating Your Efforts 11.Sustaining Your ProgramSustaining Your Program

For more information go to: Robin Organ-Executive Director