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Greenwich's Parkway School Recognized for 'Growing Green' Efforts

GREENWICH, Conn., -- Parkway Elementary School was honored for its green initiatives by being named a Connecticut Green Leaf School.

Energy Education Specialist Laurel Kohl handed Parkway School the Connecticut Green Leaf Banner at “Parkway’s Great Green Leaf Adventure” on Nov. 19.  From left, Principal Patricia Allen, teachers Rebecca Mollica and Maryjane Ackroyd and Kohl.

Energy Education Specialist Laurel Kohl handed Parkway School the Connecticut Green Leaf Banner at “Parkway’s Great Green Leaf Adventure” on Nov. 19. From left, Principal Patricia Allen, teachers Rebecca Mollica and Maryjane Ackroyd and Kohl.

Photo Credit: Contributed photo

Principal Patricia Allen said that the school's commitment to environmentalism began with studying a butterfly.

"What started out as a mission to save the Monarch butterfly has heightened our awareness that the little things we do add up to make a great big difference in our environment.," she said.

Parkway is the 66th school in the state to be included in the Green LEAF program, a collaborative effort between the Connecticut State Departments of Education, Energy and Environmental Protection, and Administrative Services and Public Health, among others to support schools in “growing greener." 

The Green Leaf program's three goals of the program are to provide education in environmental sciences and sustainability; improve health and wellness of school community; and reduce environmental impact.

"I can tell you that we're delighted with our designation as a Green Leaf School, and that as a school community we're eager to continue our journey along the path of growing even greener," she said.

On November 19, Parkway students celebrated their environmental and conservation work to date by presenting a play entitled, “Parkway’s Great Green Leaf Adventure”.  The play was written by teachers and students, and highlighted the work of the school community to its green efforts.  The skits performed included a group of student scientists utilizing the Parkway pollinator garden as an outdoor classroom, models of recycling, and the promotion of the many ways people can make a difference.

Parkway School is also pursuing a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon, which recognizes schools that: reduce environmental impact and costs; Improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and provide environmental education.

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