DEADLINE!  January 18, 2013

This prestigious award is given to select schools across the nation that The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools recognizes as schools that save energy, reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect health, foster wellness, and offer environmental education to boost academic achievement and community engagement. The recognition award is part of a larger U.S. Department of Education (Department) effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about practices proven to result in improved student engagement, academic achievement, graduation rates, and workforce preparedness, as well as a government-wide aim to increase energy independence and economic security. 

In its second year, the Department will recognize schools where staff, students, officials and communities have worked together to produce energy efficient, sustainable and healthy school environments and to ensure the sustainability and environmental literacy of graduates. (More information including Green Ribbon Schools Criteria, resources, standards and programs and a List of Statutory and Regulatory Requirements which summarizes the Federal, state and local requirements with which schools must comply in order to be eligible for the Green Ribbon Schools award may be found at: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools/index.html 

It may also be useful to review the powerpoint presentation attached below from Patrick Kerr, Director of Communications and Outreach, U.S. Department of Education, Region VII, Kansas City which is available for download below.

Additionally, you may view a recorded webinar on completing last year's Kansas Green Ribbon Schools application at:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG7CIZscjHQ

Read about the 2012 Kansas Green Ribbon Schools Recipients at: http://www.kansasgreenschools.org/news/2012-kansas-green-ribbon-schools-recipients.

To apply to become a Green Ribbon School, schools must submit an online nomination form to the Kansas State Department of Education.  The nomination form will be reviewed by a Kansas selection committee which will put forth no more than four nominations from the state of Kansas for consideration by the U.S. Department of Education.  The U.S. Department of Education criteria make this a lengthy application, so there is an overview of the requirements and a complete blank application available for download below so you can work on your answers before starting the online application.    

Nomination forms should be submitted online by January 18, 2013 at:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2013KSGRS

Additional documentation and photos (in PDF please) may be sent to info@kansasgreenschools.org