Sustain DCSD
November 2015
DCSD Schools in Colorado Parent Mag!
This month's Colorado Parent: Education Guide features the green initiatives of Larkspur Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, Northridge Elementary, and Pioneer Elementary in an article called The Little Green Schoolhouse. Check it out!
Tell your parents about Raising Eco-Kids Nov. 16th!
Who? Parents who want to know how to help their kids and schools implement easy sustainable strategies, and who want a waste-free lunch kit!
What? Workshop
Where? eDCSD Colorado Cyber School
Why? Research shows that students engaged in hands-on applied and real world aspects of environmental education perform better on most measures of student success (Eco-Schools USA). In addition to academic outcomes, green initiatives impact the budget all while creating healthier learning environments for our kids. Being green doesn’t mean you have to go off the grid. We can save money and the environment by changing little things: we can turn off lights when we aren’t using them; we can print less and recycle what we do print; we can use reusable containers for lunch; we carpool, walk, and ride bike when it makes sense. Come learn how you can help kids, schools, and your own family become more eco-friendly with simple strategies to incorporate into your busy lifestyle.
Email courtney.kuntz@dcsdk12.org for a flyer to send home to parents. Participation includes a waste-free lunch kit!
Monday, Nov 16, 2015, 10:30 AM
eDCSD: Colorado Cyber School, Cantril Street, Castle Rock, CO, United States
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Incentive Program 15-16
Deadline for Steering Committee Nov. 6!
The Sustainability Steering Committee is charged with advising the Office of Sustainability on matters pertaining to district sustainability programming. The Steering Committee will meet once per semester (once in the fall and once in the spring). By participating on the committee, you agree to attend two meetings for the 15-16 school year.
Objectives:
1. Advance sustainable practices at schools and district buildings to make sustainability integral to the fabric of DCSD.
2. Develop and maintain a vision for sustainability district-wide.
3. Facilitate the sharing of best practices across stakeholders.
Apply by November 6 by submitting the following information to sustainability@dcsdk12.org.
- Name
- Title
- School Name or District Department
- Why you would like to be member of the Committee (no more than 200 words)
- Description of your current role and work in sustainability (no more than 200 words)
WM Seeking PT Education Contractor
Waste Management has a national goal of tripling the amount of recyclables managed from eight million tons annually to more than 20 million tons by 2020. Education is key to achieving this goal. In the last three years, we have grown the Four Corners Area education program substantially, reaching more than 30,000 people annually. We are looking for an energetic and outgoing Education Contractor to help us continue to engage youth and adults through experiential-based learning opportunities such as tours, classroom presentations and community programs.
Opportunity: We are seeking a Part-time Education Contractor to support our efforts in the Denver Metro area approximately 15-25 hours per week. This is a contract position that will be paid on an hourly basis ($15/hour). Some weekend and evening hours may be required. You will need to travel in your own vehicle to and from local sites; mileage will be reimbursed.
Our ideal candidate will have teaching experience, the ability to communicate effectively to diverse audiences, and a personal interest in recycling. We will train you on the details but you have to bring the passion. A Bachelor’s degree in relevant field of study or at least three years working with youth of various ages is a definite plus. This is an active position with lots of walking and standing. You must be able to push, pull, drag or lift at least 30 lbs.
Essential Responsibilities
- Work closely with WM Tour Coordinator; maintain regular communication regarding scheduling of tours/presentations
- Conduct facility tours at Recycling Education Center, MRF (Materials Recovery Facility) and landfill; maintain working area at Education Center
- Conduct education activities (on/off site) and support community-based outreach events. These may include giving classroom presentations, attending Family Nights with community partners, attending community events as required by our municipality contracts, and attending speaking engagements with customers/potential customers.
- Support research, development and implementation of education programming
- Work closely with volunteers and interns
- Assist the Four Corners Community Relations and Communications team on specific projects, as needed Interested?
To apply for this unique opportunity, email your cover letter, resume, and three professional references to ksymons@wm.com by November 20, 2015.
Repreve Recycling Challenge!
A National elementary Repreve ® + Marvel Universe LIVE! recycling challenge is taking place in the Denver Metro area January 8 to January 22. Schools will participate in a 2 week recycling challenge, collecting as many plastic bottles as possible.
REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL IN THE REPREVE RECYLCING CHALLENGE BEGINNING DECEMBER 11! Show your students how they can make a difference by recycling.
- Raise funds for your school through the sale of branded T-Shirts
- Learn how cool products are made out of recycled materials through Scholastic ® published curriculum
- Win tickets to Marvel Universe LIVE! performances and Repreve-based apparel for students at the winning schools
Don’t let your school miss out on the fun! Register at http://rally.repreve.com/challenges/denver beginning December 11. Registration closes December 18.
Online registration and bottle tracking allows for easy sign-up, school participation, and real-time display of competition standings. Automated delivery of campaign materials to each school makes program awareness and promotion seamless.
If you have any questions about the program, please email ashley@shiftnow.com.
Tool Library!
We maintain a few tools that you can “check out” to facilitate your sustainability initiatives.
- Light Meters: These are used as you conduct your energy audit to discover whether the rooms in your school are maintaining appropriate lighting levels.
- E-Meters: For students to measure how much energy individual appliances are using.
- Scales: For use during waste audits, you can check one out to help weigh each waste stream.
Just email us at sustainability@dcsdk12.org to check out a tool!
Collaboration Station
Ever wondered what other schools are doing? Check out the Sustainability Program. Share your own story and get ideas from others!
- Open Discussions
- Elementary Schools, High Schools, and Middle Schools - You will find your school name in each of these files. These are meant for you to share photos (make sure you have media releases from all students!), success stories, data, project outlines, anything you want us and other schools to know about your programs.
- Sustainability Updates
If you aren't able to access it, just email us and we will invite you to the folder.
Sustainability at Douglas County School District
Email: sustainability@dcsdk12.org
Website: www.dcsdk12.org/sustainability
Location: 3002 State Highway 83, Franktown, CO 80116, United States
Phone: 720-663-1206
Facebook: facebook.com/sustainDCSDK12
Twitter: @sustainDCSD
LeeAnn Westfall
- Waste Management questions and concerns
- Incentive Program
- Facilities and operations
- Eco-Schools USA
- U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools
Courtney Kuntz
Courtney is a service-learning and green schools advocate. Call her for things such as:
- School presentations on recycling, composting, energy, etc.
- Consulting for your sustainability project or course
- Red Apple Recycling, Crayola ColorCycle, TerraCycle
- Grants and fundraising opportunities
Eric Krueger
Congrats to Eric for landing an awesome job in Seattle, WA! We will miss him around here, but he has to go for this awesome opportunity. Best of luck on your next adventure, Eric!