CONGRATULATIONS ON OREGON GREEN SCHOOL RECERTIFICATION!!

On February 25, 2009, South was officially redesignated as an Oregon Green School. Through the combined efforts of the Environmental Club advisors and our building waste reduction coordinator, the application for renewal was submitted and immediately approved at the state level. The award plaque, which resides in the main office window, was presented by Kelley Cooley, our District Waste Reduction Coordinator.

The success of our program is due in large part to the dedication and commitment of the entire building personnel, from administration, office and classroom staff to the custodial and cafeteria crews. In addition, our student body has demonstrated its support for the program, as noted by their increased use of the available recycle containers and awareness of energy conservation measures. Collaboration with the District's Facilities and Maintenance departments has resulted in more storage opportunities and a stronger connection with the city and county waste management businesses. Finally, we are pleased to see our parents involved-we offer confidential paper shredding for a number of families and have received many cell phones and printer cartridges, which not only keep them out of the waste stream, but also provide supplemental funds for both the recycling program and the Music Boosters.

South High is a full service waste reduction and energy conservation school. Nearly all items that are currently eligible for recycling or reuse are being sorted, stored and sent out from our location. Not only do we serve the building and neighboring Howard Street Charter, but we have been instrumental in initially supporting the recycling efforts at West, Sprague, McKinley Elementary and the Downtown Learning Center. In addition, we are providing service to 7 community businesses and churches. Our Environmental Club has been active in the restoration project at adjacent Clark Creek, and as a response team at local sustainability activities.

Our primary goal over the next year is to continue to strengthen our program, both in-building and in the South Salem Community. The next step in the Oregon Green Schools process is the Merit Level, of which no high school in our state has currently attained. Then it's on to the Premier Level, where we will expand our community outreach and present to the School Board. This final award will come with an official Oregon Green School flag and media coverage. More importantly though, it will represent our school as one deeply committed to promoting sustainability, resource efficiency and waste reduction/reuse, on a permanent basis.

The following is our school-wide policy statement: As a newly re-certified Oregon Green School, South Salem High School will continue its efforts to maintain and promote a high quality comprehensive and coordinated program of waste reduction/reuse and energy conservation. In addition, we will broaden our scope, both on campus and in community outreach, to include additional activities that incorporate Best Practices, based on sustainability and environmentally sound standards. This school-wide commitment will be a team effort, to include all building personnel, students and parents, with the ongoing support of our school district's Maintenance/Facilities departments and the community waste management businesses that serve our school.

A copy of the application is available from Brian Sund, in Room 112, if interested.