In an Earth Day surprise, Cassidy Elementary celebrated its selection as a 2022 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award honoree. A recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C., is planned for this fall. Cassidy is one of two winners from Kentucky, and Fayette County Public Schools is the only school district in the nation that has had an honoree every year since the award began in 2012.
“It’s always a great day to be a Cassidy Colt, but this announcement on Earth Day makes it that much sweeter,” said Principal Jill Hill. “We pride ourselves on preparing our students to be the leaders of tomorrow. Our school is committed to sustainable practices, and our goal is for our students to carry those practices into the future and continue to improve the world around them. We are so proud of the efforts that our students, staff, and families have made to make this honor possible.”
Among the achievements that led to Cassidy’s recognition:
- 4th & 5th grade design and construction of an electric vehicle;
- Tree Week 2021 “Planting with the Principal” last fall;
- 4th grade Energy Day field trip to the University of Kentucky's Center for Applied Energy Research;
- 5th grade Leadership Team solid waste awareness campaign;
- Outdoor classroom with an accessible raised bed gardens;
- 1st grade National Wildlife Federation certified habitat and monarch waystation;
- Trout in the Classroom program to study ecosystems and life cycles;
- EPA Air Quality Flag Program (first in FCPS);
- Science Club schoolwide energy audits;
- Science Club macroinvertebrate and qualitative water quality assessment.
“At Cassidy our motto is ‘Work Hard, Be Kind.’ We try to carry out those words to our community as well as our environment,” said Kristi Fehr, the science lab teacher. “When we see an issue or obstacle, we empathize, create a plan, and design solutions with truly real-world applications.”
Across the country, 27 schools, five districts, and four postsecondary institutions were singled out this spring for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education.
Contact: Tresine Logsdon, energy & sustainability curriculum coordinator for FCPS
Posted April 22, 2022
