Massachusetts Class Video Wins Green School Title
A group of dedicated 8- and 9-year-olds, a mock TV newscast and a tour of green initiatives around their school helped earn South Shore Charter Public School in Norwell, Mass., this year’s title of “America’s Greenest School.”
South Shore’s entry, “Green!” won the school a new hybrid school bus from IC Bus that helps reduce the school’s carbon footprint. The hybrid school bus, worth $200,000, is up to 65 percent more fuel efficient than standard school buses and emits up to a third less greenhouse gas emissions.
The class also won s $20,000 green audit/makeover for the school, a $3,000 scholarship to be divided among the class, and $500 for class supplies.
After IC Bus announced 10 finalists in March, online voting determined the winning school, with nearly 1 million total votes cast.
Teacher Sarah Roberts’ class enlisted the help of some of the older students to produce a video entry that showcased South Shore’s top environmental efforts. The two-minute, 30-second video includes reports from around the school on environmental initiatives such as a vegetable oil-fueled van, recycling stations, composting area and their Waste Watchers program that features teams of students who help cut excess energy use.