The Claremont Unified School District has been named a 2020 California Green Ribbon School (CA-GRS), Gold Level, by the California Department of Education, for environmental excellence at the state level. This is the first time CUSD has been honored with this award.

“California Green Ribbon schools expertly use local approaches to tackle global issues such as sustainability and environmental literacy. Students are not only learning and practicing environmental stewardship, but also sharing those sustainable practices with their families and in their communities,” said State Superintendent of Schools Tony Thurmond.

For the state award, the California Green Ribbon Schools program used the applications submitted for the US Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) recognition, and based their selection on the applicant’s progress toward all elements of the Three Pillars.

CUSD was successful in demonstrating environmental excellence in all focus areas based on the following practices:

• Pillar 1: Reduce Environmental Impact and Costs—A pillar that included the elements of energy conservation, watering and grounds maintenance, waste reduction, and the use of alternative transportation.

The CUSD Facilities Department and environmentally friendly bond projects that have been completed were instrumental in demonstrating the District’s commitment to this pillar.

• Pillar II: Improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff—A pillar that included the elements of environmental health and nutrition and fitness.

CUSD’s Nutrition Services Department and Mental Health teams provided information regarding the District’s exceptional progress in developing the mental and physical health of our students, staffs and families.

• Pillar III: Provide effective environmental education, which teaches many disciplines, and is especially good at effectively incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), civic skills, and green career pathways.

CUSD demonstrated exceptional work that centered on Next Generation Science Standards, and integrated Teachers on Special Assignment to focus on innovation and technology.

In total, Claremont Unified School District staff responded successfully to 65 questions pertaining to the progress toward reaching the stated goals that ultimately earned the district its recognition as a 2020 California Green Ribbon School, Gold Level.