National Wildlife Federation honor indicates commitment to monarch butterfly recovery and school sustainability
Patton Elementary will be recognized by National Wildlife Federation's Eco-Schools USA program for exceptional achievement in sustainability and integrating environmental education into curricula. It is the first elementary school in Austin and the second in Texas to earn the Green Flag, Eco-Schools USA's highest honor. Who: Students, elected officials, Patton Elementary staff and the National Wildlife Federation mascot Ranger Rick What: Green Flag Ceremony When: 7:30-8 a.m. Friday, May 19 Where: Patton Elementary School, 6001 Westcreek Drive "We're honored to get the Green Flag," said Marisa Flores, kindergarten teacher who serves as an Eco-Team Committee member and the science committee chairwoman, "What's really important to us is that it's a symbol of the collaborative effort between Patton students, staff and the community. This three-year experience has changed Patton's atmosphere and culture. We've climbed this mountain, and now, from the summit, we see more mountains to conquer. It's not over because we have the Green Flag!" To earn the Green Flag, Patton students and staff formed an Eco-Action Team to tackle a host of sustainability initiatives. The team audited facility energy efficiency, outdoor learning time and biodiversity on the campus and instituted environmental-themed curricula. These steps led to an energy reduction campaign, the school's participation in the National Wildlife Federation's Monarch Heroes Program and Patton Elementary's certification as a National Wildlife Federation Schoolyard Habitat. All work was designed to raise environmental and natural awareness, reduce waste, increase student engagement and save money for the school. ### The National Wildlife Federation works to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world. The National Wildlife Federation is the U.S. host for the international Eco-Schools program, a network of 50,000 K-12 schools in 62 nations. The Monarch Heroes program was developed in Texas in 2014 to address monarch butterfly population decline by increasing pollinator habitat on school campuses. |
| AISD is the largest school district in central Texas, serving more than 83,000 students at 130 schools. Follow AISD on Facebook at www.facebook.com/austinisd, Instagram at @austinisd or on Twitter at @AustinISD. |