By Shelli-Kae Foster, Program Director
YES! co-presented with Rivers Edge Academy and Edison High School for the session “Getting to Green in MN” at the 9th Annual National Green Schools conference on April 8. The session portrayed 3 replicable programs to engage students and staff with hands-on place- based sustainability models.
Here are a few highlights:
- Rivers Edge Academy is a Green Ribbon school that incorporates service learning and a sense of place into their curriculum. Dr. Meg Cavalier described how students were instrumental in designing and implementing a tree trench and storm water collection tank at their school. Meg reported that the amount of storm water collected from their ball field and gym could fill 6. 4 school buses!
- Thomas Edison High School in Northeast Minneapolis partnered with Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) to become a model “green campus.” Michaela Neu, from MWMO described how she works with a crew of students on a regular basis to clean up the Mississippi shores and to install a state-of-the-art storm water project that captures and treats 1.5 million gallons of runoff each year.
- Shelli-Kae Foster, YES! Program Director highlighted the various projects students have completed over the past 12 years. She noted that over 3,500 students have participated in YES! to complete over 1,000 action projects! Wonderful photos told the story of how students took ownership of the projects and showed their enthusiasm and commitment to making the planet a healthier place.
The session concluded with each presenter having time to meet with teachers and others to answer questions. There was a lot of interest in YES! and we hope those interested will join with us for the 2019-20 season!