BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2017 17 EARTH DAY: CREATING SUSTAINABLE SCHOOL COMMUNITIES FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS This Earth Day – whether it’s planting a tree at a community garden, learning about composting, or beautifying a local playground – students and families across New York City are coming together to build stronger communities and increase sustainability for the next generation of New Yorkers. Preparing our students to be responsible global citizens extends beyond classroom lessons on the importance of preserving our energy sources. First and foremost, we’re focused on incorporating students throughout the process, using teachable moments to support them in taking ownership of their school’s sustainability and expanding that work to impact the planet. Sustainability initiatives provide opportunities for thoughtful conversations about the importance of protecting the environment and the powerful impact of being productive citizens. We work in partnership with the Greenpoint Eco-Schools program — part of the Eco-Schools USA National Wildlife Federation — to support four schools in Brooklyn in developing environmental programs and systematic sustainability changes. These schools have a full-time sustainability coach tasked with fi nding innovative ways to help schools go-green. P.S. 34 in Brooklyn is one of the Eco- Schools that is combining sustainability and creativity. On April 27, it hosted an eco-fashion show where students used recycled and repurposed materials including plastic bags and paper plates to create their own eclectic pieces, showcase their style and bring zero-waste clothing designs to the runway. The DOE’s O ce of Sustainability is continuing to increase environmental initiatives across our school communities to conserve energy, increase recycling and reduce schools’ carbon footprint. This work includes leading and coordinating sustainability programs and engaging communities with trainings and resources so we can connect sustainability to every classroom. To reach our goal of making all schools Zero Waste by 2030, we are expanding several programs centered on sustainability, energy conservation and waste reduction in schools. This includes the Zero Waste Schools program, which helps schools manage waste more effectively by maximizing recycling and organics separation and minimizing trash. Through our partnership with GrowNYC’s Grow to Learn program, the DOE is creating and sustaining over 650 school gardens, many of which incorporate food grown in the gardens into lunch meals that are served in schools. The NYC Solar Schools Initiative, in partnership with Solar One and the city, is working to increase the number of school buildings receiving roo op solar systems accompanied by hands-on instruction about energy e ciency, conservation and emerging technologies. We are working to expand the program to reach over 100 school buildings across the city. At Brooklyn Gardens Elementary School, an eco-friendly program is promoting recycling practices, revitalizing gardens a er winter by planting new vegetables, investing time to beautify outdoor spaces, and hosting Earth Day assemblies to share their work and increase awareness. Parents are critical to this work and schools are increasing community engagement around these e orts. This Earth Day, let’s all seize the opportunity in our schools and in our homes to celebrate our collective e orts to increase sustainability, generate awareness, and all do our part to protect the environment. Carmen Fariña is New York City schools chancellor. BK SNAP S DUMBO. Photo by Stephanie Durso Send us your photos of Brooklyn and you could see them online or in our paper. Submit them to us via Instagram, Twitter and Facebook by using the hashtag #HRPix; or email them to [email protected]. GUEST OPED THE HOT TOPIC STORY: Cops bust 12 illegal massage parlors in Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights SUMMARY: A sting operation directed at local massage parlors operating illegally in Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights netted 18 arrests at 17 different locations in the two neighborhoods. Of the arrests, seven were for prostitution, 10 were for unlicensed practice of massage and one was for criminal negligence. Our readers were quick to sound off. REACH: 45,237 (as of 4/24/17) BY SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR CARMEN FARIÑA FOR MORE NEWS, VISIT www.brooklynreporter.com
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