Jeanne Keough, London Heyward, Roman Evans, Olivia Felix and Kailyn Shurley clean up. (Photo courtesy of Greenwoods Charter School)
PHILADELPHIA — The U.S. Department of Education announced April 26 that Green Woods Charter School has been selected as a recipient of the 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School Award.
Green Woods Charter School is located on Domino Lane. Nominated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
With a mission to prepare students to be knowledgeable and conscientious researchers, Green Woods provides a rigorous education for Kindergarten through 8th grade students in Philadelphia to explore the natural world, their place in it, and the natural world. emphasizes a deep understanding of responsibility within the organization.
At the core of Green Woods' innovative approach is a unique Green STEM program that extends learning beyond the classroom through inquiry and hands-on exploration.
Students actively lead service projects such as recycling, composting, water testing, and establishing local green museums.
Additionally, the school is committed to combating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, embracing renewable energy sources, and participating in community education activities.
“Winning the U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Award is truly the culmination of the past five years,” said CEO and Principal Debi Durso. has contributed to this honor. Every day, we work together to reduce waste and how our small school makes a lasting impact on our neighborhood, our city, and beyond. It is my privilege to lead our school community and I can't wait to see what our students accomplish next.”
To minimize our impact on the environment, Green Woods has a waste management system in place that focuses on recycling, composting and waste diversion.
Students actively participate in waste reduction efforts such as separating cafeteria waste, managing paper recycling, collecting mixed recycling, and composting school lunch waste.
The waste management system implemented in 2021 successfully diverted more than 8,000 pounds of waste from landfills and helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Green Woods Charter School is dedicated to helping students become environmentally conscious and responsible stewards of the natural world through a holistic and innovative approach to education.
In fact, on Earth Day, Green Woods students received the Philadelphia Green Schools Program Grant Award for their waste reduction efforts.
At Green Woods, we seamlessly integrate science into a variety of disciplines and develop environmental literacy and critical thinking skills. Through immersive learning experiences and community-based service projects, students actively engage with real-world situations and promote environmental awareness and community service.
“Our students are truly paving the way for future generations and their own futures,” Durso said. “With each passing day, they are making a real difference in the future of our planet. We are so proud of their efforts to reduce waste and educate our community. They are truly young stewards of the natural world. ”
Green Woods Charter School is dedicated to providing a comprehensive educational experience that connects sustainability, environmental education, and academia to prepare students to be responsible stewards of the natural world.
For more information about Green Woods Charter School, call (215)-482-6337 or visit greenwoodscharter.org.