Annandale school receives prestigious Green Flag Award for environmental stewardship

In a world that is increasingly recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship, Immaculate Conception School, Annandale, has emerged as a shining example of dedication and commitment to sustainability, having recently been the recipient of the Green Flag Award from EcoSchool U.S.

The award is EcoSchool’s highest honor in the realm of eco-consciousness and a globally respected symbol of environmental excellence.

Two years ago, the school met with New Jersey Audubon Society’s specialist, Allison Mulch, to learn more about preparing for the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon School Award. As a precursor to applying to become a Green Ribbon school, Immaculate Conception School decided to join the EcoSchool U.S. program, a certification program for elementary through secondary schools that nurtures environmental learning and climate action and is overseen by the National Wildlife Federation – the exclusive national operator of EcoSchools in the United States and a member of the international network of EcoSchools, coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

The sustainability effort aligns with ICS’s vision of integrating STEM education into learning which began in 2019 when a group of teachers attended Notre Dame’s STEM Teaching Fellows program.

Connie Fortunato, principal, noted that this achievement, which required student led assessments, hitting benchmarks, and meeting stringent criteria, embodied the school’s integrated approach to learn about sustainable practices and make a profound investment in the well-being of the planet God created.

As the school pursued the Green Flag award, they worked to align Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ with the EcoSchool initiatives in several ways: Laudato Si’ emphasizes the concept of “caring for our common home,” planet, Earth. EcoSchool programs teach students about environmental responsibility, instilling a sense of stewardship for the Earth among young learners. Both Laudato Si’ and EcoSchools share a common commitment to preserving and protecting the environment. Pope Francis calls for ecological education in Laudato Si’, stressing the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of all life on Earth. Immaculate Conception’s students and teachers engaged in hands-on learning experiences in nature, teaching children about ecosystems, biodiversity, and the delicate balance of our planet’s natural systems.

The resounding success of ICS students and faculty serves as an inspiration for schools nationwide and underscores the transformative power of collective action. The Green Flag projects were driven by ICS student leaders working collaboratively with the community, ICS families and friends, staff, and faculty. Immaculate Conception School is proud of the hard work and dedication shown by ICS students and looks forward to their future ideas and accomplishments towards earning Green Ribbon recognition.

Initial article contributed by Immaculate Conception School, Annandale.