Macomb County Board of Commissioners and Macomb Intermediate School District

2. Macomb County Board of Commissioners and Macomb Intermediate School District

4. Additional Resources www.macombBOC.com Click on “Green Schools” box.

5. Michigan’s Green School Counties as of August 2011

6. You should be in contact with yourGreen Schools coordinator because: • Guidelines and the application process varies slightly • Each county may have unique nuances • Proposed points must be approved by your county coordinator by December 1st. • Your county coordinator can answer questions • Your county coordinator wants to build a relationship.

7. The Guidelines • Public Act 146 of 2006, the Michigan Green School Act, was revised by . Public Act 301 of 2010. The list of activities was combined to create a more inclusive list. The Southeast Michigan Green Schools Initiative Group has further enhanced the Green Schools Program for the 2012-13 academic year. • The Guidelines are set up in 5 categories A-E: “A” - Recycling; “B” - Energy; “C” - Environmental Protection; “D” - Miscellaneous; and “E” - Propose Your Own Point . • Points can be accumulated in any combination of categories, as long as there are a minimum of two points from each Category A-D.  • Up to two activities are allowable from Category E, "Propose Your Own Point," and these may be used to achieve the number of activities for any designation. Please have your Proposed Points approved by a county coordinator by December 1st.

8. New for the 2012-13 Program Cycle • A ( + ) next to a listed activity indicates that additional credit (up to 1 additional point) MAYbe awarded to schools which – by the submitted description and supporting materials – have shown evidence of student learning as well as higher levels of complexity and effort in the planning and execution of the activity/project.

9. Verification Process • Activity Verification must be submitted on the Wayne County-specific Activity Verification Form only. • Items included on your application should have taken place between March 1, 2012 and March 1, 2013, unless it is an Earth Day celebration or a garden project (contact Patti Dib). • Descriptions of programs and activities started in prior years should include details of updates and/or expansions of programs.

10. Application Process • The new Macomb County Application Form must be used. You must complete at least 10 activities. Additional designation levels can be achieved by completing more. There is a space for you to include the number of points you have attempted and to cite the designation (Green, Emerald, Evergreen) for which you are applying. Final designation will be determined by the Macomb County Green Schools Review Panel. You will be notified of the final decision. • Describing Your Activity: The specific Category and Point must be noted with a brief – but inclusive of necessary detail - description of each activity performed. Include pertinent details of the activity such as dates, names of participants, data collected, program sponsor, company, brands, learning outcomes, etc., and send material such as examples, photos, video, web sites or literature which supports the description. • Applications will be accepted between January 1, 2013 and March 1, 2013.

11. Green Schools Guidelines Category A – Recycling Category (Complete at least two activities) Coordinate a program for recycling at least two of the following: Office Paper, Plastic, Metal Cans, Printer Cartridges, Newspapers and Magazines, Cellular telephones, Cardboard, Fabric and Clothing, Compact Discs and Digital Video Discs, and Glass. 2. Composting food and organic wastes(+).  3. Conducting a waste-free lunch program(+). 4. Implementing a policy to buy recycled, biodegradable, locally produced or less toxic food and school supplies. Participate in local farm programs/participate in purchasing locally grown produce.

12. Green Schools Guidelines Category B – Energy Saving Category (Complete at least two activities) • Offer at least one teaching unit on alternative energy. • Using alternative energy, renewable fuels or specialized energy-efficient technology in school operations (District-wide mandates). • Implement a school energy-saving program - Specific action taken at your school building. • Perform energy audits at student homes and educating student families and the community. • Taking part in a project or event to promote improved vehicle fuel efficiency(+). 6. Sponsoring an alternative energy presentation, project or event(+).

13. Green Schools Guidelines Category C – Environmental Protection Category (Complete at least two activities) • Offer a teaching unit on environmental issues facing this state. • Establish or maintain a natural Michigan garden project with native plants or vegetables. The grown produce is to be used in teaching units or donated to community organizations(+). • Establish or maintain an animal habitat project. • Participate in a local community environmental issue by activities such as letter-writing, attending public hearings, raising funds or community outreach(+). • Participate in activities promoting the health of a Michigan Watershed.

14. Green Schools Guidelines Category D – Miscellaneous Category (Complete at least two activities) • Adopt an endangered or threatened species and publicize the activity. • Host an environmental or energy speaker, event or field trip. • Establish a student organization that participates in environmental activities. • Observe Earth Day by participating in an Earth Day event in April and/or America Recycles Day in November. • Maintain an updated bulletin board or kiosk with information on environmental concerns and the school’s actions in addressing those concerns. • Establish an eco-reading program. • Update the school’s media center environmental materials. • Visit internet sites that educate about the environment and support endangered ecosystems. • Create and active website, school wide broadcast, a Public Service Announcement, or documentary addressing environmental issues facing the state (+) • Coordinate an exchange or drive to collect used or unwanted items within the school or community for repurpose (+)

15. Green Schools Guidelines Category E – Propose Your Own Point (Optional – up to a total of 2) • A school may design and propose another activity, which would qualify as an environmental stewardship project.  The school SHOULD receive prior approval from a county coordinator by December 1st.

16. Going Beyond Green … • Emerald Designation • May be achieved by successfully participating in activities to earn 15 -19 activities points. • Evergreen Designation • May be achieved by successfully participating in activities to earn 20 or morepoints.

17. Submitting a Successful Application • Describe activities in detail, provide supporting materials. • Apply on time! Applications are due 03-01-13. • Adhere to criteria; Applications directly correspond to the Guidelines. • Program is open to all K-12, public or private schools • Activities should be completed between March 1 of the previous and March 1 of the current academic year (with a few exceptions) or be enhancements or continuation of prior year programs • Schools must renew/reapply each year

18. Fame, fortune, celebrity status …What’s in it for your school? • Energy and materials cost savings for your building • Reduced waste costs • Development of ecologically minded students, staff and school community members. • Status in your school district and county • Banners, certificates, recognition ceremonies and access to cool stuff.

19. Tri-County Schools ParticipationAcademic Years: 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 • Macomb County – NA, 45, 71,101, 121 • Oakland County – 45, 98, 171,191, 183 • Wayne County – 12, 50, 99,141, 130

20. Challenge • Become part of your county numbers • Get involved • See what a difference you can make

21. Additional Resources www.macombBOC.com Click on “Green Schools” Visit often for updates and offers!