Stanford Taylor recognizes Green and Healthy Schools

MADISON — State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor today recognized three Wisconsin schools for "green and healthy" accomplishments: Schlitz Audubon Nature Preschool in Milwaukee, Lincoln Avenue Elementary School in Milwaukee Public Schools, and Netherwood Knoll Elementary School in the Oregon School District.

Schlitz Audubon Nature Preschool is the first Wisconsin preschool to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools program. To be eligible for the federal award, the school first achieved "Sugar Maple" status — the highest of four levels of state recognition — in Green and Healthy Schools Wisconsin.

Lincoln Avenue Elementary School and Netherwood Knoll Elementary School also achieved Sugar Maple status in Green and Healthy Schools Wisconsin this school year. Lincoln Avenue is the first public school in Milwaukee, and the state’s first bilingual school, to reach Sugar Maple level. Netherwood Knoll is the third school in the Oregon district to do so.

“In these schools, the whole community works to provide a healthy, supportive learning environment. Students are also taught to understand current environmental challenges. These are key pieces of ensuring our students graduate ready for the future,” Stanford Taylor said.

Green and Healthy Schools Wisconsin is a partnership of the Wisconsin departments of Public Instruction and Natural Resources, along with the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education. Schools in the program receive support to reduce environmental impacts and costs, improve health and wellness, and prepare students to address sustainability issues. Currently, 473 schools in 185 school districts around Wisconsin participate in the program.

Twenty-five schools and districts in Wisconsin, along with four institutions of higher education, have received the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award since its inception in 2012.