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Green Ribbon School

The U.S. Department of Education has selected Renaissance High School as a 2014 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School. Renaissance was one of 48 schools in the nation to receive this award.

Only one other school in Michigan received this honor.

Renaissance High School was chosen for its commitment to environmental stewardship, health, and sustainability and for achievements in effective environmental and sustainability education.

Renaissance is the first high school in the State of Michigan to be recognized as a model Project Learning Tree (PLT) school.The aim of U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) is to inspire schools, districts and Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) to strive for 21st century excellence by highlighting promising practices and resources that all can employ. To Green Ribbon Schoolthat end, the award recognizes schools, districts, and IHEs that:

  1. Reduce environmental impact and costs;
  2. Improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and
  3. Provide effective environmental and sustainability education.

Combined progress in ALL three of these areas, known as Pillars, serves as the basis for recognition. ED-GRS aligns with the Department's cross-cutting goals for education, including improving student, staff, and facility performance and increasing efficiency at federal, state, and local levels. It is part of a U.S. Department of Education (ED) effort to identify and communicate practices that result in improved student engagement, academic achievement, graduation rates, and workforce preparedness.

Encouraging resource-efficient schools, districts, and IHEs allows administrators to dedicate more resources to instruction rather than operational costs. Healthy schools and wellness practices ensure that all students learn in an environment conducive to achieving their full potential. Outdoor, environmental, and sustainability education helps all students engage in hands-on, authentic learning, hone critical thinking and collaboration skills, stay active and fit, and develop a solid foundation in many disciplines.