‘Green pride? takes on new meaning in LO schools

They’re wearin? it and livin? it ? green that is.
Nine of 11 LO schools earned the Michigan Green School distinction. Waldon Middle School, Scripps Middle School, Blanche Sims Elementary, Carpenter Year Round Elementary, Orion Oaks Elementary, Paint Creek Elementary, Pine Tree Elementary, Stadium Drive Elementary School of the Arts and Webber Elementary all instituted a variety of programs to meet the criteria.
‘Lake Orion Community Schools values the commitment of staff and students to pursue avenues that are environmentally friendly as well as activities that conserve energy.?
The designation is part of the Michigan Green Schools program, which encourages schools state-wide to participate in energy-saving and environmentally-friendly activities.
‘Being a good citizen means taking care of the environment,? said Orion Oaks principal, Brian Kaplan. ‘Our students are developing good habits like recycling paper and plastic bottles. (Recycling) becomes part of their life.?
In order to receive the distinction, schools had to successfully orchestrate at least ten of the program’s 20 requirements.
The list includes paper, magazine, newspaper, battery, cell phone and printer cartridge recycling, adopting an endangered-species animal, receiving a visit from an ecological spokesperson, participating in energy savings programs, starting a garden project and observing Earth Day, among other activities.
Oakland County started the program in 2007. Since then, 45 schools have become ‘green.?
‘We’re trying to teach our kids to become good people and this is a great way to do that,? Kaplan said.
‘It is a demonstration that we are committed to looking toward the future and preserving our planet,? said Gutman.