Three Florida Schools Nominated for Green Ribbon Schools Award

Monday, April 9, 2012

DOE Press Office (850) 245-0413

Three Florida Schools Nominated for Green Ribbon Schools Award

- Schools recognized for their commitment to the environment -

The Florida Department of Education has nominated three public schools for the new Green Ribbon Schools Award sponsored by the U.S. Dept. of Education (USDE). Learning Gate Community School in Hillsborough County, Pine Jog Elementary School in Palm Beach County, and TERRA Environmental Research Institute in Miami-Dade County will represent the Sunshine State based on their commitment to reducing environmental impacts, improving the health and academic performance of students and staff, and increasing the number of graduates that are environmentally and sustainability literate.

"It is an honor to announce Florida's nominees for the National Green Ribbon Schools Award," said Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson. "These schools have shown an extremely enthusiastic and creative dedication to cultivating an environmentally sustainable learning atmosphere, and I applaud the administrators, teachers, parents and students for their devotion to wellness and the environment."

The Green Ribbon Schools Award Program was established this year to recognize exemplary achievement in environmental impact, health and education. The award program advances the goals of environmental stewardship; cutting schools' energy costs; fostering health, wellness and academic achievement; providing a well-rounded education and increasing STEM skills; and boosting students' college and career readiness. The winners will be announced on April 23, 2012, and a ceremony to honor the winners will be in Washington, D.C., on June 4.

Two additional schools that received high marks are James A. Marlowe Elementary School in Pasco County and Driftwood Middle School Academy of Health and Wellness in Broward County.

For more information about the Green Ribbon Schools Awards Program, visit http://www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools/index.html.