The U.S. Department of Education announced on April 20, 2023, that Mill Hill Elementary School in Southport, CT is among the 2023 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award honorees. Mill Hill students, staff, and parents have led the charge for driving sustainability and health in our school with such initiatives as a cafeteria milk carton recycling program, Trex recycling program, school garden, outdoor classroom, and cafeteria composting. Furthermore, we continue to maintain an environment that cultivates and sustains the well-being of the whole child, including programming for mental, social, and emotional health. Being named a 2023 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School is an accomplishment that is a representation of who we are as a school community. We have received recognition in the past for being a school that functions and believes in a strong partnership with our families. We have always worked together, side by side, to be the best that we can be for our children, all the while modeling responsible citizenship, integrity, achievement, and kindness. I am so proud we have been recognized for our efforts. I want to thank the leadership efforts of Laena DeMelo, our Elementary Program Facilitator, and our PTA Presidents, Ely Fatehi and Lisa Alberts, and our Green Team Student Leaders, Anna Cook, Ava De Martino, and Kate Ryan. Thank you to those who have supported our initiatives, including Jason Avila, Christine Paradis, Hope Thornton, Veronica Ciccarone, Larry Zankel, Melinda Hamilton, Anne Lowinger, Lindsay Totino, Meghann McKale, and Mary Hogue.
