U.S. Secretary of Education Names Littleton a 2016 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School District Sustainability Awardee April 22, 2016 Managing Director of the White House Council on Environmental Quality Christy Goldfuss joined U.S. Secretary of Education John King to announce that Littleton Public Schools in Littleton, MA is among the 2016 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools District Sustainability Awardees. What does it mean to be a Green Ribbon School: The U.S. Department of Education selects honorees based on documentation of high achievement in the following areas or “Pillars of Excellence:”   

Pillar I: Reduce environmental impact and costs. Pillar II: Improve the health and wellness of students and staff. Pillar III: Provide effective environmental and sustainability education, incorporating STEM, civic skills and green career pathways

Superintendent Kelly Clenchy stated, “We are extremely proud of the dedication and commitment in implementing the three Pillars of Excellence on the part of the administrators, staff and students within our district. In particular, I would like to commend the leadership of Mr. Dave Riley, LPS Energy Educator/ Manager, Mrs. Tricia Buonacore, LMS Health/PE teacher and Ms. Elizabeth Barry, LHS English teacher over the last two years in the formation of Green Teams at the Middle and High School on achieving these goals.” Superintendent Clenchy added, “As the only Massachusetts school district to have received this prestigious award in 2016, the Littleton Public Schools looks forward to continuing to serve as a statewide exemplar of Green Ribbon innovative practices.” The Littleton Public Schools have been working diligently to reduce energy consumption and to educate students and staff about the benefits of living a sustainable lifestyle. In 2008, LPS adopted a formal energy management and conservation policy. Along with appointing the Energy Educator/ Manager, these policies have resulted in a 35 percent reduction in electricity and natural gas usage. LPS incorporates opportunities for students to learn about the environment and the importance of energy conservation across all grade levels and academic disciplines. The Health/Wellness and PE curricular offerings have been updated to include focused lessons on yoga, nutrition, and fitness. In terms of efforts to improve the health and wellness of students and staff, LPS has also worked to eliminate the use of toxic and environmentally destructive cleaning agents and pesticides. Students have now assumed a lead role in the district’s conservation efforts, as green teams at the middle and high school levels assess LPS energy usage, look for opportunities to eliminate waste, and plan and implement energy savings initiatives. The green teams at the middle and high schools also offer student learning opportunities through schoolwide gardening and composting programs. These green teams are also working U.S. Department of Education - 400 Maryland Ave, SW - Washington, DC 20202 www.ed.gov/green-ribbon-schools - www.ed.gov/green-strides

with the school’s National Honors Society chapter to establish green teams at both of Littleton’s elementary schools, Shaker Lane and Russell Street. “Looking forward,” Littleton’s Green team leaders, Mr. Riley, Mrs. Buonacore and Ms. Barry emphasized that “Littleton will continue to encourage students to be more involved in creating generational responsibility in protecting our environment, improving health, wellness, fitness and well being.” In total, across the country, 47 schools, 15 districts, and 11 postsecondary institutions are being honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education. King and Goldfuss made the announcement at the U.S. Department of Education, in Washington, DC. April 22, 2016. The schools, districts, and postsecondary institutions were confirmed from a pool of candidates voluntarily nominated by 27 state education agencies. The list of 73 total selectees includes 41 public schools and six private schools. The public schools include three charter and eight magnet schools. The schools serve various grade levels, including 27 elementary, 18 middle, and 14 high schools, with several schools having various K12 configurations. Fifty-one percent of the 2016 honorees serve a disadvantaged student body.

U.S. Department of Education - 400 Maryland Ave, SW - Washington, DC 20202 www.ed.gov/green-ribbon-schools - www.ed.gov/green-strides