Environmental Initiatives

Environmental Initiatives

Red Hawk Elementary values environmental consciousness and awareness in our instruction, building design, and daily school practices.

Some Highlights:

  • Building was designed with energy efficiencies in mind in partnership with Xcel Energy and the governor’s office. Our new building was designed to meet LEED Standards
  • A 350 KW ground-mounted on-site solar panels array at Red Hawk provides 95% of the school’s electricity needs, saving an average of $40,000 per year
  • Natural lighting incorporated throughout the building enhance student experiences and learning
  • Eco-Cycle Green Star School since 2011
  • On-site community garden allows students to gain hands-on experience with food production, gardening, and collaboration

Eco-Cycle Green Star School

Students, teachers and staff at Red Hawk Elementary have committed to Zero Waste through Eco-Cycle’s Green Star Schools® program since 2007.

Red Hawk Elementary has partnered with Eco-Cycle to move toward Zero Waste through increased recycling efforts, the implementation of composting school-wide, and special waste reduction activities. The project is part of Eco-Cycle’s award-winning  School Recycling and Environmental Education Program.  According to Eco-Cycle, “Green Star Schools are the first in the nation to reduce waste in every aspect of school life. As a result of implementing the program, up to two-thirds of the discards from each of the Green Star Schools is kept out of landfills.”

Objectives

  • Reduce Waste
  • Increase Recycling
  • Implement Collection of Compostables
  • Improve Environmental Awareness & Motivate Participation
  • Lower Each School’s Trash Bill

Recent News

Take a look at some of our recent news.

November 9, 2021

Update from Nutrition Services regarding last-minute menu changes

At St. Vrain Valley Schools, we know the importance of school meals in fueling both healthy minds and bodies. While school meals may look a little different during the 2021-2022 school year, please know that your school nutrition team is working hard to ensure students have safe, nutritious, and appealing meals. Today, I am writing […]

October 5, 2021

Open House Dates 2021

St. Vrain Valley Schools are hosting open houses to answer questions and share information about the many program offerings available across the district as families begin planning their transition to middle and high school next year. Below are upcoming open house dates across the district. For questions regarding open houses, programming, or to schedule a […]

October 4, 2021

Local farmers show students where they get their food

Columbine Elementary joined Nutrition Services, School Wellness to celebrate Colorado Proud School Meal Day. The chickens were interesting and everyone wanted to know how bees make their honey. But the big star at Wednesday’s farming show-and-tell at Columbine Elementary was Westley, a 16-month-old horse who likes to show off a bit. “Oh he loves it,” […]

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