Just in time for Earth Day, Cedar Trails and the Middle School have earned a Green School Certificate in the Michigan Green Schools Awards Program.  There were 27 Green School awards given to schools within Kent ISD this year. Awards were presented this week, recognizing the extensive environmental work of educators and students.  We earned this certificate for our work in recycling, energy savings and environmental awareness.

At the Middle School:

Some of our environmental projects included energy savings program, paper recycling, computer printer cartridge recycling, and projects on environmental studies.

With our energy and environmentally-friendly activities, we qualified for a Green Level Certificate.  This is the third year our school has earned a Green School Certificate.

Future plans for our “green” work include working to use locally grown foods in our lunch program.  During Michigan Week, April 13-17, we will serve locally grown asparagus (weather-cooperating), milk from Country Dairy near White Cloud, and Cherry burgers from Traverse City!  We will also be serving tortilla chips from Festiva Foods and sliced apples from Peterson Farms in Shelby.

At Cedar Trails Elementary:

Some of our environmental projects included energy savings program, paper recycling, computer printer cartridge recycling, and projects on environmental studies.

We also recycle every day in our classrooms and cafeteria.  We explore our nature center and on Earth day talk to the children about pollution and clean earth.

We are always looking for ways to improve and be environmentally friendly.

“Our students and staff are working hard to help all of us become better stewards of resources.  They are saving money and reducing the district’s energy footprint. They are using the passion and creativity of youth to learn and achieve far more than we imagined. I am so proud of their efforts and accomplishments,” said Ron McDermed, Superintendent.