Jenkintown Named 'Green Ribbon School' For 2016: Environmental Programs Lauded

The U.S Department has released its list of 2016 "Green Ribbon Schools," and Montgomery County's Jenkintown School District was among the environmentally friendly institutions to earn recognition.

The award is given to schools that demonstrate progress in three categories:

• Reducing environmental impact and costs, including waste, water, energy use and alternative transportation
• Improving the health and wellness of students and staff
• Providing effective sustainability education

“Healthy schools and wellness practices ensure that all students learn in an environment conducive to achieving their full potential, free of the health disparities that can aggravate achievement gaps,” the U.S. Department of Education states.

“The award is a tool to encourage state education agencies, stakeholders and higher education officials to consider matters of facilities, health, and environment comprehensively and in coordination with state health, environment, and energy agency counterparts.”

State participation in the award is voluntary, and not all state education authorities choose to nominate schools, districts, or colleges and universities. Read more about the award’s methodology here.

The nominated schools in New Jersey for 2016 included:

• Park Forest Elementary, State College
• The School District of Jenkintown, Jenkintown
• Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock

Read more about Jenkintown's environmental achievements in their nomination packet here.

Photo via U.S. Department of Education: Students plant seedlings at 2015 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools honoree Princeton Day School.