Two Atascadero schools honored as ‘Green Ribbon Achievers’
AUSD Trustees, Administration, Monterey Road and Carrisa Plains Schools along with community partners are all smiles sharing their Green Ribbon School awards.
–Atascadero Unified School District is honored to announce that Monterey Road Elementary School was one of 4 California schools to be nominated as a California Green Achiever, the highest honor in the California Green Ribbon Schools Recognition. This makes them eligible to compete in the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools recognition program.
In addition, another AUSD school, Carrisa Plains Elementary School, joins Monterey Road in receiving a silver recognition, becoming a Green Ribbon School as well. AUSD is proud to have the only two recognized Green Ribbon Schools in San Luis Obispo County for the third year in a row.
Green Ribbon Schools demonstrate exemplary achievement by reducing environmental impacts and costs, improving the health and wellness of schools and by providing effective environmental education that incorporates science, technology, engineering and mathematics as well as civic skills and green career pathways.
“Green Ribbon schools are leading the way in resource conservation, health and wellness, and environmental literacy,” said Tom Torlakson, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Carrisa Plains Elementary School students having fun while they work in their greenhouse.
Ryan Hoest of EcoVox, Inc. says, “It’s a great recognition of Atascadero Unified’s commitment to use resources wisely while incorporating energy efficiency and sustainability into the curriculum. The AUSD approach is an outstanding model for other districts to follow.”
Monterey Road Elementary School principal, Julie Ann Davis shares, “We are extremely honored to receive this recognition. Our students, staff, and community partners are dedicated to sustainability efforts and this award is a result of the amazing teamwork that takes place at Monterey Road. Outdoor learning is a huge part of our school and our garden, Food Forrest, composting system and turf replacement projects are all student driven. I could not be more proud!”.
AUSD partner, Amanda Shere, Cuesta Sustainability program, adds, “I am very proud and excited at all of the progress we have made and that I could be a part of it. The students and staff have worked so hard and deserve this recognition. I am looking forward to help more schools in the District apply for the Green Ribbon School awards.”
