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ACNW Environmental Education News
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September 12, 2018
Dear Charter School Leaders, EE Contacts, Teachers, and Board Members,
Welcome back! Thanks to everyone who attended this summer’s EE Teacher Workshop, and welcome to those of you who are new to this newsletter. Teachers and ACNW staff had a blast learning about place-based education, exploring the Audubon Center of the North Woods’ beautiful campus, and getting to know teachers from almost every ACNW-authorized charter school. Did you take any pictures? If so, please share with me—email anderson@auduboncharterschools.org.
As you plan for the rest of the school year, remember America Recycles Day is November 15, 2018. It’s one day to educate, motivate, and make recycling bigger! Register an event at your school, and use the event organizer toolkits to help you plan for the big day. (Let me know if you’re hosting an event – I’d love to drop in! Email me with the details.)
Sincerely,
The ACNW Charter School Division
43 Main Street SE, Suite 507
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 331-4181
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GREEN SCHOOLS NATIONAL NETWORK CONFERENCE
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The 2019 Green Schools National Network Conference will be held April 8 & 9 in Saint Paul. This is a great opportunity that doesn’t usually land this close to home! Two days of programming offer inspiring keynote speakers, informative workshops and breakout sessions and the chance to network with colleagues from across the country. To learn more or submit a session proposal, visit the conference website.
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STUDENT SUPPORT AND ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT GRANT PROGRAM
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Beginning in FY19, MDE will award grants to support schools that provide students with access to well-rounded educational opportunities and academic enrichment through environmental education, STEM, and other programs and activities. The funds for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program are authorized under Title IV, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). MDE will notify charter schools of SSAE grant allocations and application requirements in early fall 2018, so talk to your school leaders and board members now to advocate for using these funds for EE!
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Does your school “Think Earth” everyday? Think Earth Environmental Education Foundation provides an online survey to explore the impact that students, teachers, and staff at your school have on the environment. To complete the survey, you will investigate habits, behaviors, and school conditions. After submitting responses online, your school will receive recommendations that explain what people at your school can do to help conserve energy, save water, and reduce waste and pollution. This would make a great class project and opportunity for board members to reflect on the school’s commitment to sustainability. Learn more or access the survey online. |
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CLASSROOM TEACHERS NEEDED FOR BEETLES FIELD TEST
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The BEETLES Project is looking for classroom teachers to test several pre- and post-outdoor science program activities that are designed to prepare students to engage in science explorations and discussions at an outdoor science program, then apply and integrate the experiences they had during the program afterwards in the classroom to further their learning. This field test is open to classroom teachers whose students will attend an outdoor science program this year, or who have already attended an outdoor science program, who will be able to either lead a pre-activity beforehand or a post-activity afterwards, and give feedback in the form of an online survey by October 26, 2018. Teachers who participate in the field test and complete a feedback survey will receive a $40 stipend per activity tested. Please fill out this survey to indicate your interest.
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RECYCLE BOWL REGISTRATION OPEN
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Keep America Beautiful offers two fall events to educate and engage school communities. The deadline for schools to register for the Recycle-Bowl competition is October 12, 2018. The competition will take place Oct. 15-Nov. 15 and is a great way to improve recycling in your school and engage students in the three R's. In addition, America Recycles Day is November 15, 2018. It’s one day to educate, motivate, and make recycling bigger! Plan and register an event at your school, and use the event organizer toolkits to help you plan for the big day. (Let me know if you’re planning an event – I’d love to drop in! Email me with the details.)
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Nature Works Everywhere Grant Opportunity
The Nature Conservancy has opened a call for applications for the Nature Works Everywhere Grant to support student-driven, community projects centered on the development of nature-based, green infrastructure solutions to environmental challenges. Up to fifty grants will be given to K-12 schools in the amount of $2,000 during the 2018-19 school year. The deadline to apply is October 5, 2018.
PLT GreenWorks! Grants
Project Learning Tree offers GreenWorks! grants up to $1,000 to schools and youth organizations for environmental service-learning projects that link classroom learning to the real world. Students implement an action project they help design to green their school or to improve an aspect of their neighborhood’s environment. The annual deadline to apply is September 30, 2018. Funding will be distributed in December. Learn more and apply online.
Seeds for Education Grant Program
Wild Ones offers assistance for all aspects of schoolyard enhancement projects, such as butterfly gardens, nature trails, and wildflower planting. Cash grants under $500 are available for plants and seeds. Wild Ones can help schools locate experts and information specific to its area. Applicants must submit an electronic application by October 15, 2018. Notification of awards will be made by February 15, 2018. Learn more or download application instructions online.
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Youth Climate Kick-off
Save the date for this year’s Youth Climate Kickoff on October 13, from 10:30 AM to 4 PM at Central High School in Saint Paul. Organized by Climate Generation, high school youth from across the state are invited to meet other youth, build leadership skills, and plan actions for the fall. Free event, food provided. Learn more or register online.
School Indoor Air Quality Trainings
Public schools must have health and safety programs that comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations and best practices, including indoor air quality (IAQ) management. The Minnesota Department of Health offers training sessions to discuss the state’s best practices for school IAQ management. A webinar will be offered Tuesday, October 30 from 1-4 PM. Visit the MDH training site for more information about in-person locations, training dates, and times or to register.
Plan a Green Apple Day of Service
A Green Apple Day of Service gives parents, teachers, students, companies, and local organizations the opportunity to transform all schools into healthy, safe, and productive learning environments through local service projects. Check out project ideas, pick up helpful event resources, register your project, or learn more online. Be sure to register your project by March 15, 2019 to be eligible for a mini-grant and Green Apple Awards.
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Green Careers for a Changing Climate
Climate Generation has just launched a new, free resource, Green Careers for a Changing Climate, a short documentary and discussion guide to introduce your students to the importance of Green STEM Careers as a solution to climate change.
Imagine If… A New Podcast from NAAEE
The North American Association for Environmental Education is launching a brand new podcast about climate resiliency and education, Imagine If…. The podcast highlights stories from high school students who are experiencing the real-life impacts of climate change and trying to find solutions in their communities.
Think Earth!
Looking for a great way to kick off a new school year? Start with sustainability! Teaching Think Earth lessons will help set good environmental habits for the whole school year. The free, no-prep lessons include videos, stories, posters, songs, reproducibles, and more. And the real-world, cross-curricular content is relevant to students' everyday lives, both at school and at home.
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