The document discusses the organic composting and gardening programs at the Quabbin Regional School District. It summarizes how the programs keep organic material out of the waste stream, recycle resources, and create experiences for students to connect with the land. It provides tips for setting up similar programs, including getting support from administrators, teachers, community groups, and businesses. The programs empower students and help create a more sustainable future.

1. MassRecycle and MassDEP 2011 Conference & Trade Show GREENING YOUR SCHOOLS BY TAPPING YOUR BEST RESOURCES By Karen DiFranza Hands to Earth : Educating for a Sustainable World

2. Quabbin Regional School District On Site Composting and Organic Gardening Programs Hubbardston Center School Garden since 2005 Quabbin Regional High School Garden since 2008

3. Keeping tons of organic material out of the waste stream each year

4. Recycling valuable resources Collecting leftovers Emptying into the bins

5. Creating Earth Stewards Providing children with experiences that connect them to the land .

6. How to do it Get everyone on board Be inclusive!

7. School Principal

8. Including staff in your process Meet with people to explain your program and share its purpose Discuss how the program will impact their jobs Explain their role in the program Ask for concerns and suggestions

9. Administrative, Custodial and Kitchen Staff

10. Teachers

11. Community Resources & Support for Your Program Board of Health Energy Board Public Works Department Conservation Commission Agricultural Commission

13. Related Organizations Garden Club Environmental Groups Girl and Boy Scouts Land Trusts

14. Trash and recycling providers Pharmacies Health Clinics Organic Farms Farm and Garden Supply Stores Related Businesses Providing Financial and In-kind support

15. Waste Management/Barre Landfill and Gas to Energy Facility Support and Scholarship for QRSH Composting and Organic GardeningProgram

16. Grant Opportunities Community Foundations Lowe’s Outdoor Classroom Grants Home Depot/National Gardening Association Outdoor Classroom Grants Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom mini-grants – up to $1,500

17. Families

18. Students: Your Best Resource Children love: To learn experientially To do real work that impacts real issues To feel they are making a difference in the world

19. Doing the work: Solar Powered

20. Outreach

21. Mission Statement The Quabbin Composting and Organic Gardening Program works to protect the environment for future generations by recycling food resources, through sustainable agriculture and by encouraging these practices in our community

22. Creating Value-Added Products

23. Environmental Issues Children of all ages are aware of many issues threatening environmental and human health

25. Children Want to Help

26. Empowering Children Give Children a chance to do work that empowers them while creating a brighter future for everyone

27. The Best Resource for Greening our Schools and Greening our World

28. For more information, visit our website : http://handstoearth.com/ Related Resources: http://www.seedsofsolidarity.org/Less_Trash_More_Compost.pdf http://aginclassroom.org/ http://www.thegreenteam.org/