River Trails Middle School wins national Green Ribbon Award

River Trails Middle School was the only school in Illinois to win a federal Green Ribbon Award this year for its efforts to cut utility costs, develop healthy living practices and offer environmental education. Winning schools were recognized June 3 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

The Mount Prospect school received word of the award April 22.

"This school's commitment to living green cuts costs and improves health and well-being but, most importantly, teaches students how to carry such practices into the future," said State Superintendent of Education Christopher Koch.

"The Green Ribbon Award highlights our effort to be a healthy learning environment and we look forward to increasing our responsibility to the global community," said Keir Rogers, school principal.

Teachers at the middle school in River Trails School District 26 have participated in a wide range of professional development opportunities to implement approaches and curricula that meet environmental standards aligned with the new Illinois Learning Standards in Science.

For Earth Day, students agreed to "unplug" their smartphones for 24 hours. Students also were encouraged to make a donation to support families in Rochelle dealing with the aftermath of the tornado.

"The idea is to widen our scope and think about others," Rogers said. "Sometimes we need to limit our distractions and reflect on our priorities to help others in need."

All River Trails students explore sustainability of the environment through a curriculum unit called Energy and the Environment. Students are challenged to think globally as they explore solutions to energy needs and investigate the impact of energy on daily life and the world. They design and demonstrate alternative energy sources and evaluate options for reducing energy consumption.

Physical education is also a priority. A committee that includes teachers, administrators, food service personnel, school board members, parents and two students meets regularly to review the district's wellness policy and ways it can be improved.