Avondale students growing interest leads to Michigan Green School Award

Oakland Intermediate School District named Deerfield Elementary in Avondale School District a Michigan Green School for the fifth time. The distinction is awarded to schools who achieve environmental goals which include protecting the air, land, water and animals. A group of 4th and 5th grade students at the school make up the Deerfield Green Team, a club that meets after school each week to learn more about the environment and how to take care of it.

The students planted and maintained a school garden, explored ways to use natural and recycled materials and even created a video to teach their classmates about recycling. In addition, the Club led efforts to expand recycling at Deerfield Elementary to include plastics, cardboard and Styrofoam cafeteria trays. Club sponsor and teacher, Mary Scholz is thrilled for the students, “it’s great for them to be recognized for doing things that they know are important to preserving their world.”

Launched in 2005, the Michigan Green Schools initiative recognizes schools that meet specific criteria including developing and participating in ten “green” activities over a single school year. Three categories of activities developed by the group, including reduce/reuse/recycle, environmental protection and energy serve as the basis for selecting designees. Schools must submit an application describing their activities and identify at least two activities for each category.

Helping the students develop ownership of improving, maintaining and sustaining our environment is important to Scholz. She sees it as a priority for our young citizens and also a natural fit, “children have an innate sense of respect and delight in nature – they love caring for animals, digging in the dirt and playing outside! These leaders are protecting and nurturing the world they are growing into.”

Learn ways to protect and celebrate our environment at the Michigan Green Schools website at http://www.michigangreenschools.us/green-activities.html .

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