Schools earn first Green Ribbon award in state
The Whitefish School District has been recognized as the first Green Ribbon School District in Montana.
The U.S. Department of Education gives the award out to districts that implement sustainability programming to decrease waste, increase energy efficiency, promote health and wellness for students and staff and integrate sustainability education in the classroom.
“Whitefish School District has a rich tradition of sustainability initiatives,” Ryder Delaloye, Curriculum Director, said. “The activities related to sustainability represent the values held by our community regarding stewardship of the land, connection with nature, using resources efficiently, and working together to foster innovation.”
Sustainability has become a key part of the school district curriculum and integrated in each of the three schools.
The construction of the $2.1 million Center for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship planned for this spring is the centerpiece of sustainability efforts. The center is set to be located on about 3 acres of land at Pine Avenue and East Fourth Street at Whitefish High School and feature outdoor areas like a native plant wetland, a native grassland and an experimental forestry zone, as well as classroom spaces. The building is also designed to be net-zero in its energy use, the first in the state of Montana, according to the school district.
Sustainability coordinator and Energy Corp member Rachel Sussman has also been working with the district and the city of Whitefish to evaluate energy usage and develop more efficient and sustainable ways to operate, and has worked with Flathead Electric Cooperative and district facilities manager Chad Smith to use infrared imaging technology to identify areas of heat loss.
Sustainable food and nutrition programs at the district have led to other awards like the Healthier U.S. Schools Challenge.
“Whitefish is surrounded by amazing natural beauty and Whitefish students are learning to prioritize conscious consumption, safeguard the environment, and serve the community,” said Superintendent Heather Davis Schmidt. “Whitefish School District is cultivating a sustainable citizenry that will guide the community in a manner that balances social, environmental, and economic needs for current and future generations. These efforts are exemplified by our partnership with the Lions Club on our Farm to School Garden, with our collaboration with the city of Whitefish on a climate change plan, and partnering with community leaders and business owners on sustainability planning.”
The Green Ribbon Schools award began in 2011, and while five schools in Montana have been nominated for the award in the last two years, only Whitefish has become a recipient.
Additional details on the award process and application can be found at https://www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools/awards.html#mt. For more information on the sustainability efforts at Whitefish School District, contact the Curriculum Director Ryder Delaloye at delaloyer@whitefishschools.org.