Elementary named a Michigan Green School

NEWS RELEASE: Beverly Elementary Goes Green!

Birmingham (Mich.) district school is among first in the state to earn Green certification

BEVERLY HILLS, MICH. -- Beverly Elementary School was recently honored with the prestigious "Michigan Green School" designation in accordance with Michigan House Bill 5554, "An Act to Protect the Environment and Natural Resources of the State." Governor Jennifer Granholm signed the Beverly certification making the school among the first in the state to be so honored.

The Green School certification is the culmination of efforts from the teachers, staff, students and the entire extended Beverly Hills community, all of whom contributed to the implementation of more than 15 environmentally friendly procedures and programs at the school.

"The award is incredibly meaningful as our school continues to aggressively roll out 'green' programs," says said Beverly Elementary Principal Jennifer Martella. "Our community has fully supported our efforts thus far, and we are eager to find new and innovative ways to protect our environment and create awareness through the education of our students and their families."

The school's efforts were led by the Earthwise committee, chaired by third-grade parent Suzanne Tennet; first-grade teacher Fluer Zahner represents the facility. Specific programs areas revolve around environmental education, community awareness, recycling initiatives, energy efficient procedures and donation drives. The official Green School flag is being distributed only to schools who earned certification in 2007, the program's inaugural year.

"I'm thrilled that Beverly is leading by example," says Ann Liebler, the Beverly parent who first discovered the Green School accreditation and spearheaded the application effort. "Not only are our children getting a deeper understanding of the issues effecting our environment, but they are also participating in programs that make a positive contribution. What could be more empowering?"

Martella concluded, "The Green School certification is very consistent with the Beverly mission of providing students with positive learning experiences that ensures respect, cooperation and communication so that all students become literate, adaptable, creative and contributing members of our society."