State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that the Moreno Valley Unified School District is one of five districts to earn a California Green Ribbon Schools award.
“We congratulate this year’s honorees,” said State Superintendent Thurmond. “California Green Ribbon Schools exemplify leading-edge models for improved indoor air quality, outdoor classrooms, and whole-school environmental education. Students in these schools address global problems such as climate change and local challenges including water quality, food security, energy conservation, waste diversion, and emotional health. Once again, I am pleased that more than half of these honorees are within some of the state’s highest-need communities. California’s Green Ribbon Schools are leading the way for our students to develop the creativity and critical thinking skills they need to be environmental stewards now and into the future.”
The Moreno Valley Unified School District was nominated by State Superintendent Thurmond to receive U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) recognition, which was announced earlier today.
“Not only did our district get recognized by the state, but we were also selected as an awardee by the U.S. Department of Education,” said Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora. “We are beyond proud of all of our schools and district teams who work together to make our community and world a better place!”
The Moreno Valley Unified School District is the only district in Riverside County to earn these awards this year.
“There is a tremendous amount of work that goes into each of the programs that were highlighted in this award,” said School Board President Susan Smith. “We congratulate all staff, students, and community members who have supported us with our health and environmental literacy efforts!”
The district earned its awards due to its efforts in the following three areas:
- Pillar I: Reduce environmental impact and costs
- Pillar II: Improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff
- Pillar III: Provide effective environmental education, which teaches many disciplines, and is especially good at effectively incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), civic skills, and green career pathways
There were a total of 14 schools, five school districts, and one county office of education that earned 2023 California Green Ribbon Schools awards. There will be an award ceremony later this year in which all the awardees will be recognized.