U.S. Department of Education Officials to Visit Northern and Central California as Part of Annual Green Strides Tour - "Schools for Climate Solutions"
U.S. Department of Education Officials to Visit Northern and Central California as Part of Annual Green Strides Tour - "Schools for Climate Solutions"
U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Assistant Secretary Glenna Wright-Gallo, Andrea Suarez Falken, special advisor for infrastructure and sustainability, and Naomi Stern, environmental sustainability and infrastructure impact fellow, accompanied by numerous other federal, state, and local officials, will visit San Francisco Bay Area and central California schools Tuesday to Thursday, Sept. 19-21, as part of the U.S. Department of Education's annual Green Strides Tour.
This year's theme is "Schools for Climate Solutions." As climate change continues to accelerate, schools and families are impacted. Climate change has disproportional effects on historically under-resourced and communities of color, perpetuating existing challenges for schools to maintain healthy learning environments. To address climate change, schools are working to both mitigate impacts and adapt to current and future changes. In addition, climate change education connects to all subject areas, prepares students for college and career pathways in the green economy, and provides opportunities for civic learning.
Schools featured on this tour are embedding climate solutions into their facilities management and curriculum, ensuring that students and communities are healthy. As part of the tour, host sites will discuss their innovative practices and strategies for making schools resilient. The events will include visits to school buildings and grounds and conversations with educators and students regarding environmental education and place- and project-based learning and discussions with key facilities personnel about efficient and renewable energy technologies that help to both improve health and save districts money.
Annually, the Green Strides Tour celebrates U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools' (ED-GRS) achievements, highlights their innovative school sustainability practices, and inspires other schools. The 2023 theme, "Schools for Climate Solutions," encompasses all three Pillars of this recognition, including: 1) reducing environmental impact and costs; 2) improving health and wellness; and 3) teaching effective environmental education.
Since 2013, the tour has visited more than 20 states and over 200 school sites. Previous Green Strides Tours have included Alabama, southern California, Connecticut, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Find more information on the ED-GRS recognition award here and on the ED Infrastructure and Sustainability initiative here.
| Who : |
Glenna Gallo, assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitative services, U.S. Department of Education |
| What : |
Green Strides Tour occurring this year in northern and central California |
| When : |
Tuesday, September 19
Wednesday, Sept. 20
Thursday, Sept. 21
|
| Where : |
Northern and central California schools. Site details and times above. REGISTRATION: Members of the media and public wishing to attend specific tour events may email InfrastructureandSustainability@ed.gov. |