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Introduction to the Ontario EcoSchools Program

Introduction to the Ontario EcoSchools Program. and the development of active citizenship skills in students. Program background. www.ontarioecoschools.org. Ontario EcoSchools is :.

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Introduction to the Ontario EcoSchools Program

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  1. Introduction to the Ontario EcoSchools Program and the development of active citizenship skills in students

  2. Program background www.ontarioecoschools.org

  3. Ontario EcoSchools is: an environmental education and certification program for grades K-12 that helps school communities develop both ecological literacy and environmental practices to become environmentally responsible citizens and reduce the ecological footprint of schools. The program also encourages the greening of school grounds, lowering the environmental footprint of students and schools, and the celebration of environmental successes. The program is focused on both student learning and school operations.

  4. EcoSchools aligns with the objectives of the Ministry of Education Ontario EcoSchools is an implementation of the recommendations of the Bondar Report and the strategies outlined in Ontario’s environmental education policy documents. Recommendations Strategies Implementation

  5. Number of Certified Schools 2003-2013 49 participating school boards

  6. The 6 areas of focus and achievement of Ontario EcoSchools Environmental Stewardship Energy Conservation Curriculum School Ground Greening Teamwork & Leadership Waste Minimization

  7. EcoSchools Resources Curriculum Resources Program Guides Online Certification

  8. Program Guides • Prioritize student engagement • Focus initiatives • Practical, do-able • Board-wide or school-wide • Adaptable to board’s capacity, priorities, policies

  9. Five-Step Process

  10. Step 1: Establish an EcoTeam Strive for diverse representation including students from 3 or more grades, teachers, principal, custodial staff and parents

  11. Five-Step Process

  12. Step 2: Conduct the EcoReviews EcoTeam tours the school to take a snapshot of practices and to identify gaps and opportunities.

  13. Step 2: Conduct The EcoReview • What is an EcoReview? • For Energy Conservation and Waste Minimization sections • Self-assessment: level 0 to 4 • An overview of environmental practices at the school • Generates information for the creation of an action plan (Step 3) • A key element ofcertification • A follow-up EcoReview should take place at least three months after the initial EcoReview

  14. Five-Step Process

  15. Step 3: Developthe Action Plan Action Plan (Step 3) EcoReview (Step 2) Start small and build on your success!

  16. Five-Step Process

  17. Step 4: Implement the Action Plan Small steps lead to big results

  18. Five-Step Process

  19. Step 5: Conduct the Follow-Up EcoReviews • Follow-Up EcoReview • Takes place at least three months after the initial EcoReview • Gives the EcoTeam an opportunity to evaluate the progress that the school has made since the establishment and implementation of the action plan. • A key element forcertification (deadline: April 30th) • The results of the Follow-Up EcoReview are awardedpoints in the certification program.

  20. Step 5: Communicate results and celebrate success

  21. EcoSchools Certification • Annual certification process which recognizes schools for their achievements during the current school year. • Points awarded based on accomplishments (not the quantity of change) within the school year. • Program encourages learning and action within the student’s sphere of influence. • Supports schools who wish to start small and build their program over time.

  22. EcoSchools Certification Teamwork and Leadership Energy Conservation WasteMinimization SchoolGroundGreening Curriculum EnvironmentalStewardship

  23. Advantages of the Ontario EcoSchools Program Students cultivate active citizenship skills and life habits that reinforce their environmental learning. The school community unites in its conservation efforts and, quite often, what is learned in the school gets brought home and put into action. The teaching staff has access to the support of other colleagues province-wide and the Ontario EcoSchools team.

  24. Advantagesof the Ontario EcoSchools Program Environmentalpractices in the school can translate to a reduction of the school’s ecological footprint and to a reduction in operating costs. Certification offers schools an opportunity to be visibly recognized in the community and across the province for their environmental efforts.

  25. How Can You Help? Submit an environmental lesson that you conducted in your class along with one copy of one student’s completed work (photocopy/photo). Conduct a whole-school waste audit investigating the contents of waste and recyclingwith a group of students or your class. Help students/EcoTeam conduct the EcoReviews. Support students in organizing a school-wide environmental campaign such as Earth Hour. Participate in or organize a school ground greening project.

  26. Sources of Inspiration The EcoSchools electronic newsletter shares stories and examples of best practices. The EcoSchools Online Community is a place where educators from across the province can share best practices and support each other.

  27. Thank You! • If you have questions, youcan contact: • YourEcoTeamLead • Your EcoSchools SchoolBoardRepresentative • Ontario EcoSchools

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