Presentation for the Sustainable Communities and Campuses Conference on March 29, 2019 in Cambridge, MA

1. Matthew Deninger
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education (DESE)
mdeninger@doe.mass.edu
http://www.doe.mass.edu/finance/sbuilding/greenribbon/

2. What is Green Ribbon Schools?
• Annual recognition award at both
the state and federal levels
• Honors K‐12 schools & districts
• Communicates resources & practices
• Connects potential partners

3. How does the process work?
• Interested schools and districts apply to
DESE between September and January
• Statewide panel determines awardees
• MA Green Ribbon schools/districts
• State finalists
• Honorable mention
• Sustained excellence

4. Three Pillars
1. Reducing environmental impact and
costs;
2. Improving health and wellness; and
3. Providing effective environmental &
sustainability education.
What defines a Green Ribbon School?

5. Three Consensus‐Based Pillars

6. 2019 Green Ribbon Schools – stay tuned to see if they receive the
national recognition!
• Boston Green Academy Horace Mann Charter School in Boston
• Ipswich Middle‐High School in Ipswich
• Wellesley Public Schools
Green Ribbon Awardees from past years (2013‐2018)
• Arlington Public Schools
• Mendon‐Upton Regional School District
• Littleton Public Schools
• Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School
• Hingham Public School District, Hingham High School
• Cambridge Public Schools
• Boston Public Schools, Boston Latin School
• Manchester‐Essex Regional High School
• Quincy High School in Quincy
• Acton‐Boxborough Regional School District
• The Berkshire School in Sheffield, MA (private)
Awardees in Massachusetts

7. Start thinking about it NOW
Website: Search for “MA Green Ribbon”, or
http://www.doe.mass.edu/finance/sbuilding/greenribbon/
Email: mdeninger@doe.mass.edu