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This edition of the Show-Me Green Schools Newsletter includes information on 2023-2024 Green Schools Quest registration and Info Sessions, MEEA Annual Conference Call for Proposals, new outdoor gear lending library, funding opportunities, new reports on climate change education and food systems, EPA's National Environmental Youth Advisory Council,
teacher workshops on invasive species mock trials and clean water, and more!
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Show-Me Green Schools Headlines | | |
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Missouri Green Schools Fully Launches
After engaging several dozen schools in the pilot phase, Missouri Green Schools will fully launch this school year. One of the many exciting elements being introduced this year is the addition of a fifth level of recognition. Enroll now and take advantage of the guidance and resources the program offers to help your school take a systems-based approach towards holistic, school-wide, and long-term sustainability.
Learn More
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Submit a Proposal for the MEEA Annual Conference by Aug 31
The 28th MEEA Annual Conference will take place in St. Louis November 3 & 4, 2023 around the theme: Sharing Hope and Inspiring Action. Proposals for Traditional Presentations (45 min), Bright Spots (15 min), and Table Talks are being accepted through August 31.
Conference strands:
- Collaboration for Sustainability
- Youth in Action
- Inspiration through Education
- JEDIA Generates Hope (JEDIA = Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility)
Learn More
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Resources & Opportunities | | |
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The Missouri Grown program, under the Missouri Department of Agriculture, is providing up to $1,000 reimbursement per semester to registered Missouri schools and Early Childcare Education Centers to cover the purchase of specialty crops from a Missouri farmer between April 1, 2022 and November 30, 2023. These crops consist of fruits and tree nuts, vegetables, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants, as well as nursery, floriculture, and horticulture.
Learn More
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EarthWays Sustainability Network Accepting New Schools for 2023-2024
Learn how you can empower your students to change the world through the EarthWays Sustainability Network (ESN). This is a network of educators that are dedicated to learning more about waste, waste reduction, and recycling in their schools. ESN teachers train with EarthWays Center staff for a year learning about solid waste issues, discovering ways to reduce waste in their school, and implementing new projects to reduce waste and increase recycling rates in the community.
Learn More
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EPA Invites Youth to Serve on Agency's First-Ever National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC)
Applications due by August 22
The NEYAC will provide independent advice and recommendations to Administrator Michael S. Regan on how to increase EPA’s efforts to address a range of environmental issues as they relate to youth communities. EPA is soliciting applications for youth to fill 16 vacancies on the NEYAC. Selected applicants will contribute to a balance of perspectives, backgrounds, and experience of the council and will be appointed by the Administrator. As a first-of-its-kind committee, all members of NEYAC will be between the ages of 16 and 29.
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Empowering Students to Be Part of Climate-Change Solutions
A new article by ASCD discusses how well-designed project-based learning (PBL) helps students learn about climate change while developing interventions to address it. Their team found that five practices help teachers do climate-connected PBL effectively: Ask authentic questions, Establish learning goals focused on justice, Adopt real-world roles and do real-world problem-solving, Support students to take action, & Support teacher learning and development.
Learn More
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State-Level Legislation Concerning K-12 Climate Change Education
This report, published by the Center for Green Schools in partnership with the Campaign for Environmental Literacy, examines how state legislation, as one piece of a complex puzzle, can help prepare graduates for a future impacted by the climate crisis. The report provides:
- Detailed talking points with citations for making the case
- Essential elements of climate change education legislation
- Model state bill framework
- Profile examples of legislation that supports climate change education in the formal K-12 education system
Learn More
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Energy Star: New K-12 Schools Focused Webpage
K-12 school districts spend over $8 billion nationwide on energy costs each year. More than 30 percent of energy use goes to waste and ten percent can be saved by implementing low-cost measures. This page will help you learn how to assess your building's energy efficiency, find financing, save energy, and earn recognition.
Learn More
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Free Air Monitors for Schools & Districts
While supplies last
The Efficient and Health Schools Campaign is excited to offer schools and districts the use of 3 simple to use air monitors that can measure particulate matter, carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity. They can guide you through the simple process. Indicate your interest by emailing EHSC@lbl.gov.
Indicate Interest
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Connecting with Your Community to Combat the Climate Crisis
This NAAEE webinar focuses on how we can move beyond individual behaviors to take meaningful climate action on a community scale. Drawing on exciting new social sciences research, Dr. Marianne Krasny describes “network climate action” and how we can influence our close friends and family to take climate actions alongside us. The discussion focuses on how we can implement network climate action with students.
View Here
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Benchmarking Sustainability Metrics for Healthy & Resource Efficient Schools
For schools looking to make data-driven health and resource efficiency decisions, the saying, "You can't manage what you don't measure," couldn't be more true. Hear directly from school systems on the innovative approaches they are implementing to benchmark and manage energy, water, waste, and indoor air quality data. In addition, hear from industry experts to connect attendees with solutions for managing their data and engaging students and staff.
View Here
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The Fundamentals of Federal Funding for School Buildings
Learn about the types of grants and tax incentives available, the tracking tools and guides available for recent legislation, and terminology related to labor provisions for school buildings. Presenters walk through the two building upgrade/construction scenarios that are used to structure the series (single-system equipment replacement or installation AND major renovation or new construction), pointing out the potential for federal incentives at a cursory level as well as financial mechanisms that can be paired or layered to make funding go further.
View Here
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Federal Funding for School Renovation and New Construction (Virtual)
August 2 | 11:00 AM CT
Explore the use of federal incentives for a school renovations or new construction that includes lighting, windows, and HVAC replacement. Speakers will walk through the steps a team would take to utilize federal incentives, including how to layer these incentives with other financing. The session will also review labor provisions and controls an entity may want to put in place to ensure compliance. This is the third in a free, four part series hosted by the Center for Green Schools and The School Superintendent’s Association.
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EarthWays Center: Clean Water and EnviroScape Training
August 3 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CT
| This free workshop is designed to help facilitate your desire to learn more about stormwater management and water quality while discovering new ways to bring this topic back to the classroom. It will also provide training on how to use the popular EnviroScape watershed model; models are available for loan FREE from the MSD Project Clear Clean Water Education program. | | |
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Invasive Species On Trial! Workshops
Aug 9 @ Sam A Baker State Park
Sept 9 @ Thousand Hills State Park
Mock Trial Unit Combines Ecology and Civic Engagement
EarthWays Center, Think About Tables, and MEEA have developed an MLS-aligned, immersive unit to challenge learners to research invasive species and think about how humans regulate or change the environment through a mock trial. This resource facilitates a deep dive into the complex issues between humans and the environment by thinking critically to analyze research and form a statement for their role in the mock trial. Formal and nonformal educators are invited to learn how to use the mock trial unit with learners in middle school and beyond, and see how this unit exemplifies best practices in EE. All of the teacher and student activity guides and support materials will be provided. Timeframe will be 9:00 AM-12:30 PM.
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Educator Open House at the Saint Louis Zoo
August 15 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM
All educators are invited to attend the Educator Open House at the Saint Louis Zoo! Learn about the Zoo's educational programs including Outreach programs, School overnight programs, School programs, Teacher Professional Development, Virtual programs, Zoocases, and more! Plus, there will be raffles and giveaways. Free parking in north lot. Adult only event.
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2023 Partner Network Convening (Virtual)
August 16 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT
| Participants will receive updates on Show-Me Green Schools programs, be introduced to the Conservation Federation of Missouri's Resolution process, contribute to creating a Resolution to help with state-level advocacy for Show-Me Green Schools, learn about mentor opportunities for helping local schools go green, and connect with other partners in the network. Partners are able to expand their own audiences while developing stronger relationships with schools and other partners across the state leading towards effective collaborations. Not a Partner yet? Click here to learn about and join the Show-Me Green Schools Partner Network. | |
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Green Schools Quest Information Sessions (Virtual)
August 24 | 4:30 - 5:30 PM CT
September 7 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM CT
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Are you considering participating in the Green Schools Quest as a school or mentor? Join us for a virtual Info Session to learn more about the program and responsibilities, hear from past participants, and ask questions. Two session dates are offered; choose the one that works best with your schedule.
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Green Professional Building Skills Training: Operations + Maintenance (O+M) Essentials
August 24 & 25 | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM CT
| What type of lighting is best for your building – LED, fluorescent, or halogen? How do you detect and fix hidden leaks in mechanical systems? Efficient operations and smart maintenance in buildings reduces operating costs and increases occupancy rates and tenant satisfaction. GPRO O+M Essentials provides building professionals with strategies to improve efficiency, comfort, and health in our existing buildings. Participants leave with at least three immediately actionable measures and the next steps needed to achieve them. This course is ideal for property managers and building staff including: building superintendents, operators, facility and property managers, operating engineers and stationary engineers. | |
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Unanswered Questions: Series Speakers “Get Back to You on That” (Virtual)
August 30 | 11:00 AM CT
| Top experts answer your questions about federal grants, new tax incentives, and partnership opportunities that can benefit K-12 public and private school facilities. Part of a four part series intended for leaders in school facilities, planning, and finance, this final session will be co-designed by attendees from sessions one through three, who will identify at the end of each session what questions and concerns remain unanswered. Between session three and four, the Center for Green Schools will invite previous speakers to address these unmet needs during the final session. | | |
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Missouri Recycling Association 2023 Conference
September 25 - 28
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The theme of the 2023 MORA Conference is Charging Forward. Sessions include:
- Panel Discussion: A 30,000-Foot View of the Recycling Industry
- Rechargeable Batteries Panel
- What’s happening in Missouri?
- MO Department of Natural Resources & EPA Updates
- Electronics Panel – The Truth About Certifications
- Addressing Food Waste
- Right to Repair
- Waste Hauling and Recycling Contracts
Nominations for the 2023 MORA Awards are due August 15. More about the awards here.
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NAAEE 2023 Conference: Together We Thrive (Virtual)
October 17 - 20
| Join the North American Association for Environmental Education for the virtual 2023 Annual Conference and Research Symposium: Together We Thrive! Through collaboration, creativity, and crossing boundaries we can address the environmental and social issues we face, locally and globally. Inspiring and thoughtful speakers explore vital topics, such as climate change education and climate justice, the benefits of connecting to nature, centering equity in our work, and joy! Participants will be invited to share positive experiences through networking events, ice-breakers, activities, chat boards, and more. | |
Thanks to Our Green Schools Sponsors! | |
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Champions
Ameren Missouri
Block
Esco Technologies
Supporters
Cordogan Clark
Innovative Technology Education Fund
St. Louis County Department of Public Health
Additional support provided by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and St. Louis-Jefferson Solid Waste Management District.
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Do you have a Green Schools Moment you'd like to share?
We want to hear from you! Please drop us a line to share a recent story (big or small!) about green activities taking place in your school community so that we might help elevate the good work you are doing through our communication channels.
Share Your Story
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Show-Me Green Schools is a joint program of the Missouri Environmental Education Association and the Missouri Gateway Green Building Council. |
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