DNRP > SWD > Education & Schools Assistance > Green Schools Program > Success Stories > Kings School System

Success Story: Kings School System

Kings School System Gordon Kelly, Vice Principal, Evelyn Huling, Principal, Mathew Lookose, Custodian, and students Annie Hanchett, Carter Bilyeu and Alex Lundberg show off their new recycling containers provided by King County.

School Location: Shoreline, Washington

Began participating in the Green Schools Program: April 2006

Waste Reduction and Recycling

The recycling rate prior to participation in the program was 23 percent.

As of June 2007, the recycling rate had increased to 29 percent.

• Recycling containers provided by the King County Green Schools Program were added to each of the three schools (elementary, middle and high) on the campus.
• Kings Elementary added classroom bins, along with bins for recycling 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.
• Kitchen staff began recycling steel cans.
• At the secondary campuses, recycling bins were added to classrooms and commons areas.
• Student leaders in the middle and high schools kicked off the Green Schools Program with a recycling video and information during school-wide chapel meetings.
• A pilot food waste composting program was started for the campus deli.
• The campus recently participated in Apple’s program to recycle old electronic equipment on the campus.

Energy Conservation

Judi Benjamin, Custodial Supervisor, has spearheaded efforts to save energy by:

• Adjusting custodial schedules to preserve daylight working time
• Changing to more energy efficient lights and fixtures
• Partnering with Puget Sound Energy to conduct energy audits and make additional improvements

Conservation Efforts planned for the 2007-08 school year

Kings Schools will continue to work on:

• Waste reduction and recycling
• Reducing litter
• Educating students, staff and the wider community about the importance of conservation and protecting the planet

Comments

“Thank you to the Green Schools Program staff for their guidance and support. They are wonderful!” – Judi Benjamin, Custodial Supervisor

“The Green Schools Program assistance has been FANTASTIC! Our student body and faculty raved about the recycling program improvements and have been excited about participating in these conservation efforts. Thanks to the Green Schools Program for all the preparation and assistance.” – Gordon Kelly, Kings Elementary Vice Principal

"Hats off to the King County Green Schools Program! We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in teaching our students about the importance of recycling and doing our part in conserving our earth's resources. Thank you for your help and guidance." – Evelyn Huling, King's Elementary Principal

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

Judi Benjamin, Custodial Supervisor
Telephone: 206-289-7930
E-mail: jbenjamin@crista.net

Bob Ruhlman, Principal of Student Life, Kings High School
E-mail: rruhlman@crista.net

Gordon Kelly, Vice Principal, Kings Elementary
E-mail: gkelly@crista.net

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