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Success Story: Glacier Park Elementary

Glacier Park Elementary Using recyclable plastic bottles, students created hallway art to promote recycling at the school.

School District: Tahoma

School Location: Maple Valley, Washington

Began participating in the Green Schools Program: February 2007

Recycling

• The school reduced its lunchtime garbage volume from 80 bags per week to 36 bags – a 55 percent reduction after beginning an effort to recycle milk cartons, juice boxes, plastic bottles and aluminum cans in the lunchroom.
• Recycling containers provided by the King County Green Schools Program were added to the lunchroom for milk cartons, juice boxes, plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
• School staff placed recycling stickers on all recycling containers. Provided by the King County Green Schools Program, the stickers list what can and can’t be recycled.
• Teacher Shanda Sciacqua formed a King County Green Team as an after school class. Green Team students created recycling posters, monitored the new lunchroom recycling program and visited classrooms to promote recycling. One member dressed as "Recycling Rick" in a green alligator costume for the classroom presentations.

Efforts planned for the 2007-08 school year

A recycling competition has been designed for fall 2007 to keep students excited and involved in the improved recycling program. Glacier Park Elementary also plans to work to reduce lunchroom food waste, litter and greenhouse gas emissions.

Comments

“It is easy for us to make this work when we have so much of your support. We feel so lucky to have made the connection with you and your agency!” – Emilie Hard, Principal

“Last night at the school carnival, several parents described a heightened awareness about recycling that their children have brought to their home conversations. Some were laughing, commenting that their ‘kids are watching them’ to see if they are remembering to recycle. One parent said her daughter was like the recycling police. (This is) a wonderful reflection of our efforts paying off!” – Emilie Hard, Principal

For more information about this school’s participation in the King County Green Schools Program, contact:

Emilie Hard, Principal
Telephone: 425-432-7294
E-mail: ehard@TahomaSD.US

Connie Jo Erickson, Head Custodian
Telephone: 425-432-7294
E-mail: connieE@TahomaSD.US

Shanda Sciacqua, Teacher
Telephone: 425-432-7294
E-mail: ssciacqu@TahomaSD.US

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