August 2019
National Youth Council Corner
A Message from Our 2019 - 2020 National Youth Council Co-Presidents
Hi! I’m Molly Gun. I am a rising senior from Ashland, Massachusetts. I’m thrilled to have this position, as Project Green Schools and the National Youth Council have given me so many amazing opportunities and have molded me into more of an articulate environmentalist than I ever thought I could be. And I’m absolutely loving it! In fact, I recently started an initiative to combat idling in my community and as a result of that, have gotten to meet many other passionate environmentalists! This is a busy time, as I’m starting to think seriously about my future, but thanks to Project Green Schools, I am confident that amid all of the uncertainty, whatever I end up doing, I will incorporate my love for helping the environment into it. This year, I can’t wait to work with Rebecca to connect with (and hear ideas from) even more like-minded environmentalists who are excited about what they do, and to come up with some fun ways to put our message out there! 
Hi everyone! My name is Rebecca Pan, a rising senior at Los Altos High School in Northern California, and I'm so honored and excited to serve as Co-President of the Project Green School's National Youth Council! As a young woman and student passionate about politics and social entrepreneurship, I have always loved the mission of Project Green Schools–Developing the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders!–and PGS' commitment to fostering youth education and leadership in tackling issues such as climate change was a primary reason why I chose to get involved in the first place. Therefore, as Co-President of the National Youth Council, I hope to expand Project Green Schools' mission and influence by recruiting more students to join the council, providing monthly "missions" or "challenges" to Project Green Schools members so that each month a primary goal and projects can be set in place surrounding the monthly "mission," increase membership involvement and impact, and provide and lead the members of my council in discovering various opportunities they can pursue to make an impactful environmental change in the world. I hope to many organize events and projects with the National Youth Council, and ultimately, provide students and individuals with a greater understanding of environmental issues and solutions. 
A Message from A National Youth Council Member
Cory Shin, an 11th grade returning National Youth Council member and officer, was inspired to take action by expanding the recycling program at his school and organizing more cleanups and opportunities for student participation in greening up their school.

With over 4,000 students in his school his goal for 2019-2020 would be to expand the reach of the recycling program. He also plans to work on increasing membership in their school environmental club and look for more ways to organizes cleanups and ways for students to get involved.
Join National Youth Council for 2019 - 2020 School Year!
National Youth Council is currently accepting membership for the 2019-2020 school year!

National Youth Council students are difference-makers who are invited to participate in important regional, national and world events. Students in grades 5-12 are eligible to take part.

 
Follow the National Youth Council students on their Instagram page:   pgs_council
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Ocean Ambassadors Program a Success in the Florida Keys
The end of July found Project Green Schools down in Key Largo again with our partners at the Coral Restoration Foundation training a new class of Ocean Ambassadors. This year our students learned all about coral anatomy, how they hunt, and how they are affected by the constantly changing environment around them through workshops and labs and lots of snorkeling excursions in the open ocean. They were amazed at how the tiniest of choices that people make everyday can affect marine life. Did you know that most of your clothing is now made from microfibers made of plastic? You, too, can make a difference for our common home by searching for and purchasing sustainable fashion!
Additionally, our Ocean Ambassadors got to witness first-hand the work that the Coral Restoration Foundation is doing to restore the reefs. They even had the opportunity to put on their engineering caps and come up with their own designs for coral reef nurseries. They, again, became citizen scientists by participating in the Florida Microplastic Awareness Project and the Mote Marine Lab Debris databases and reporting their findings of debris they collected throughout the weekend. This year, our debris clean-up took place at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park where they collected 61.5. lbs of trash in a 40 minute time period, including lots of old furniture! With so much knowledge and so many activities and so much fun, they wished the weekend was longer and did not want to go home!  
Project Green Schools is excited to once again collaborate with Friends of Bridges House, Governor and First Lady Sununu, to bring the Youth Sustainability Council to New Hampshire.

Are you an environmentally conscious and “green minded” middle or high school student from New Hampshire? Are you pioneering sustainability in for your school? If so, you are invited to participate in the Bridges House Youth Sustainability Council Showcase! Register Here

For All non-NH residents and guests you are welcome to attend the 50th Anniversary featuring the Youth Sustainability Council Showcase. Register Here
Go Back to School with National and International Green Schools Society!
NGSS/IGSS honors and develops bright, civic-minded, environmentally literate citizens in your schools and communities.  As an NGSS/IGSS member, we, Project Green Schools, will support, promote and provide recognition to your students in grades K-12. Project Green Schools offers opportunities that will further develop their passion for preserving the environment, while improving schools and communities through environmental service, leadership, and activism.

Joining NGSS is easy and free! All you need to do is sign up here  and your school will join our vast network and be recognized for all the great efforts you are already doing!

As an NGSS member, all your students:

  • Have an opportunity to be recognized for their environmental efforts.
  • Seniors can be recognized on a National level and graduate with Green Honors.
  • Invited to local and National events

NGSS Member Advisors can also appoint two students to join our National Youth Council program.

Together, we can develop the next Generation of Environmental leaders!
More Moments to Share from our 2019 NGSS Graduates
Above: Lake Placid High School Graduating NGSS Seniors.

Below: PGS Scholarship Winner, Athena, with friends and teacher. Read more
Farmingdale High School NGSS Graduate
Be Pictured Here Next Year!! JOIN NGSS and IGSS!

We welcome new members throughout the school year! Simply complete our online form and you'll be on your way. Learn more and check out our FAQ section here.
Bring Scenic Conservation Education to Your School


Check out our new Scenic Pathway in a partnership with Scenic America to educate and engage your students on scenic conservation.
U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools 2020

The 2019 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) were announced on May 22. See the  list of awardees.

Now is a great time to begin preparing for the 2020 application cycle by using resources and programs available on  Green Strides .  Read some common misconceptions about the award dispelled in a  blog  by the director, and review  f requently asked questions  about all three award categories.   Learn More!
Plastic Pollution Film now offers NGSS Lesson Plans for Grades 3-12 with Educational License

 STRAWS  is an educational and inspiring 30-minute documentary film that highlights the devastating levels of straws and other plastic pollution in our waterways and oceans and provides accessible solutions for students and families.  The film now offers Next Generation Science Standards congruent "Action Lesson Plans" as part of its STRAWS in Schools Impact Campaign to reach students nationwide . 

PGS members receive 20% discount on the film and curriculum package (NGSS grades 3-12) when you use the code "PGS20". Click here to learn more!
Events

March 2-4, 2020
Portland, Oregon
Additional Resources, Grants, Recognitions, Scholarships, Internships and Competitions

K-12 schools can save up to 50% on energy use if they optimize their lighting equipment and operations.

The guide offers lots of helpful information such as an introduction to electric cars, differences between the models, government grants, tax advantages and more!
Project Green Schools |3 Village Green North #311 PMB 191, Plymouth, MA 02360 | info@projectgreenschools.org  www.projectgreenschools.org