By focusing on water conservation, Fruit Valley Community Learning Center recently earned bronze certification from the nonprofit Washington Green Schools. Fruit Valley’s Green Team created awareness around the school of water use, set conservation goals, designed posters and worksheets and made morning announcements about how to save water. As a result, Fruit Valley used 6,000 fewer gallons of water in February 2018 when compared to February 2017.

This is the school’s first certification. Twelve student leadership team members spearheaded the effort, along with Steve Avery, teacher and Green Team leader; Becky Winard, teacher; Kelly Sloniker, counselor; Ken Hoseney, custodian; and Matthew Fechter, principal.

Nearly 30 district schools currently hold certification from Washington Green Schools. Certification is awarded for environmental efforts around water and energy use, transportation, waste and recycling, school grounds and gardens and healthy school buildings.