Clark County Green News
Felida Elementary Certifies Platinum, Joining the Ranks of Only 12 Schools in the State
Vancouver Public Schools' Felida Elementary achieved something few have. They are one of only 12 schools in the state to certify in all six categories with Washington Green Schools. That feat achieved platinum status for Felida Elementary and means they certified in Waste and Recycling, Water, School Grounds and Gardens, Energy, Transportation and Healthy School Buildings.
In their most recent certification in Healthy School Buildings, they educated their peers on the benefits of handwashing and staying healthy by eating enough fruits and vegetables.
To learn more about the certification process, check out Washington Green Schools certification steps.
It is important for people to know that there are other living things in the ecosystem and what ever humans do can impact the way they live too
Mia Russell, 5th grade
We sat down with Meagan Graves, Green Team leader at Felida Elementary to hear her thoughts on their journey to certification.
Clark County Green Schools: What motivated you to certify as a Washington Green School?
Meagan Graves: To help students feel empowered. We want students to know how they can make a positive impact on their environment and community.
CCGS: What categories were the most challenging?
MG: Electricity and Healthy Schools. We found it difficult to make significant changes.
MG: Make sure the projects are sparked from student interest. Taking students to the fall kick off Green Schools Summit is a great way to get students excited for the year and get ideas sprouting.
CCGS: How do you plan to move forward as a platinum school?
MG: We would like to create a larger, more attractive place for students to park bikes. We would like to see more students riding their bikes to school.
CCGS: What was the most helpful support you received from administration?
MG: Mrs. Janati, our principal, has never said no. She has supported the efforts from the beginning. She even helped with the Saturday work party when we put in the garden. She was moving bark dust in a wheelbarrow until the very end. She expresses her gratitude to us and our Green Team students. It feels great to have our efforts appreciated.
We also spoke with Felida principal Kris Jenati. She had big things to say about Meagan's role in their environmental success. "Meagan is such a natural leader. She walks her talk, modeling a true appreciation for our environment, and an ability to encourage and influence changes in our practices. She has invested a significant amount of her own time into this work. Our students and staff have benefitted from her leadership."
Humans affect how the environment works.
Anne Morgan, 5th grade
(Clark County schools in bold)
Sustaining Platinum:La Center High
Gaiser Middle
Hillcrest Elementary
The Island School
Platinum:
Felida Elementary
Peter S. Ogden Elementary
York Elementary
Image Elementary
Montlake Elementary
Bertschi School
The Evergreen School
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