Maplewood Richmond Heights Middle School has been recognized nationally as a “Best of Green Schools” for its curriculum embracing sustainability.
The school released this information about the award:
The Green Schools National Network and the Center for GreenSchools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) today recognized Maplewood Richmond Heights Middle School as a winner in the “Best of Green Schools” class of 2018. The jury selected MRHM’s nomination as one of only two winners for the K-12 School category.
Principal Mike Dittrich was on hand at the awards ceremony in Denver, Colorado.
“This recognition is the culmination of more than a decade of work by students, teachers, administrators and two amazingly supportive communities,” said Dittrich. “Representing USGBC and GSNN as a Best of Schools 2018 is an honor for our entire school community and all those who have supported the green practices woven into our learning. We strive daily to provide opportunities for students to become better citizens, scholars, leaders, and stewards.”
“The key to a sustainable school and community is engaging stakeholders to embrace sustainability and innovation. The students of today are not only the leaders of tomorrow. They are the leaders of today! They are already taking the lead in making our schools, communities, and world a more sustainable place to live,” Dittrich added.
Center for Green Schools Director Anisa Heming and Jennifer Seydel, Executive Director of the Green Schools National Network, had high praise for MRHM.
“Across the U.S. and around the world, individuals and communities, non-profit organizations and corporations are showing their commitments to healthy, safe and sustainable schools. Your contributions to this effort stand out among the very best, and it is thanks to work such as yours that we are moving ever closer to ensuring that every student is in a green school within this generation.”
Almost exactly a year ago, the federal government announced that Maplewood Richmond Heights Middle School was among the 2017 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award honorees. MRHM was nominated by the Missouri Green Schools program which lauded the school for developing innovative programming surrounding the unique sustainability needs in an urban area. The school provides a rich curriculum that integrates gardens, aquaponics, urban chickens, beehives, composting, and a rain garden. At the core of their work is a belief that sustainable schools and communities provide all members the greatest opportunities for success.
Students at MRH Middle School are immersed both inside and outside the classroom in a variety of experiences through the metaphor, “School as Expedition.” Learning expeditions are in-depth studies of a topic that engage students through authentic projects, real-life studies, fieldwork, and/or service. Expeditions occur within the school walls when the community is brought into the classroom through expert guest speakers and outside of the classroom, as a journey to conduct fieldwork.
Great news out of Denver, CO: the Green Schools National Network and the Center for Green Schools today recognized @mrhmiddleschool as a winner in the "Best of Green Schools" class of 2018… one of only TWO winners in the K-12 category. Principal Mike Dittrich and crew on hand. pic.twitter.com/xn22DqzvUj
— MRH School District (@MRH_Schools) May 4, 2018
This is a major accomplishment for the middle school and a real feather in the cap of the district. I hope citizens and city government truly realize how impressive this is, and reward the school’s administrators and teachers accordingly. Beyond the obvious environmental cultural benefits, this kind of broadband national achievement makes our property values soar. Big ups to the kids and the folks who teach them.
So very proud of the work the District has done over the years! Was happy to talk with Mike Dittrich at the recent ARTS FOR LIFE brunch. Great values and leadership I am so happy to see at M-RH!!!