SUSTAIN DCSD
Reducing Our Resource Use
Douglas County Schools work to reduce energy, water and paper use
For the second year, schools in Douglas County School District are participating in a 7-week nationwide competition called "Renew Our Schools" where they will reduce energy, complete energy focused curriculum, and implement action plans designed to enhance energy awareness.
Schools reduce their electricity use by behavioral means such as: turning off lights, removing unnecessary appliances, setting computers to power save mode, and much more. Participating schools had an eGauge installed that provides real-time energy usage data which helps students see what peak energy use times are and assists students in their energy reduction plan development.
Good Luck to our 7 participating schools!
- Sedalia Elementary
-Sagewood Middle School
- Renaissance Magnet School
-Legend High School
-Ponderosa High School
- Mountain Vista High School
-Highlands Ranch High School
Previous Renew Our Schools Competitors: Sierra Middle School, Cresthill Middle School, Pine Lane Elementary School, Buffalo Ridge Elementary School , Castle View High School
As technology use increases, so does our per person paper consumption. How can you help?
In just one month - October 2019 - DCSD used 5,514,262 sheets of paper which adds 70,031 lbs of carbon dioxide to our atmosphere and uses approximately 662 trees!
In 2018, global paper use exceeded 400,000,000 tons, with the US, China and Japan leading consumption. Although approximately 50% of paper is recycled, over 80,000 trees are cut down each day to provide paper! While many of these trees are fast growing trees, there is significant energy and transportation costs involved with harvesting, processing and distributing paper. (Sources: The Environmental Paper Network, US Environmental Protection Agency, Global Forest Resource Assessment)
Benefits of reducing paper use include:
- Saves trees
- Decreases fossil fuel use & greenhouse gas emissions
- Decreases waste in landfills
- Teaches students the importance of conservation
Here are some ideas for decreasing paper usage in the classroom. Do you have ideas to add to this list? Please let us know here.
Rocketbook
Rocketbook is a re-usable notebook and so much more! It allows for re-using pages and works with a free app to scan and file notes from your phone or tablet. Interested in trying this technology out in your classroom? We would appreciate your feedback on how you might use Rocketbook in your classroom or in your department. Click here to fill out a request form to join our Rocketbook Focus group and receive a sample Rocketbook!
Educator resources and discounts are available here: Rocketbook Educator Resource Page
STOP, DROP, RECYCLE RECYCLING PROGRAM
International Collaboration from your classroom! December 4th 4:30-5:30
Date change: January 29th 4:30-7:00 WATER CONSERVATION EDUCATION
- Lessons ready for classroom implementation
- Field trip and guest speaker resources
- Professional development hours
- Networking opportunities
- Water conservation swag!
Coming in February: Teaching Climate Change
- How to address controversy related to climate change
- Where to find authentic data to support the curriculum
- Lesson specific activities for each grade level
Coming in March: Douglas County Conservation District
A visit to CALF ranch
Benefits of native plants in landscaping
Examples of projects completed at DCSD schools
Lesson specific activities tied to the 2020 Colorado Academic Standards
The DCSD Office of Sustainability is happy to offer mini-grant opportunities to increase sustainability initiatives at your school. The mini-grants will be awarded in the form of supplies requested, up to $400 per request. Schools may submit more than one grant request.
Deadline: March 1, 2020 - we will review and fund accepted grant requests as they come in. If funds run out, grant requests will be rolled to the following school year. It is recommended that you request grant funds as soon as you can, even if you will not need delivery of items until later in the school year.
Criteria: Project goals should increase or enhance sustainability for our schools/students. Mini-grants that will directly affect student learning and are integrated into the curriculum will receive priority.
Grant amounts: Requests may be for any dollar amount up to $400 used to purchase materials for your sustainability project. Schools will receive materials requested.
To apply, fill this Google Form: Sustainability Mini-Grant Application
DCSD OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability Coordinator
Heather Berry
Sustainability Learning Specialist
Email: sustainability@dcsdk12.org
Website: dcsdk12.org/sustainability
Location: 2806 U.S. 85, Castle Rock, CO, USA
Phone: 303-387-0451
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sustain.dcsd