Patterson, Oakland Schools Honor 173 Oakland County Green Schools

WATERFORD TWP. (WWJ) -- Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and Oakland Schools Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Markavitch will recognize the 173 Oakland County schools that have attained Michigan Green School status for the 2012-2013 school year during a ceremony at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 24 at Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Road, in Waterford Township.

Now in its sixth successful year in Oakland County, the program challenges schools to initiate energy savings activities and introduce programs to further environmental education. Three levels of green status are recognized depending on the number of activities undertaken by a school.

"The green schools initiative enhances the quality of life in Oakland County through energy savings and makes our county a cleaner, healthier place to live," Patterson said.

The following public school districts have schools which have attained Michigan Green School status: Avondale, Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Brandon, Clarenceville, Clarkston, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Holly, Huron Valley, Lake Orion, Lamphere, Novi , Oakland Schools technical campuses, Oak Park, Oxford, Pontiac, Rochester, Royal Oak, South Lyon, Southfield, Troy, Walled Lake, Waterford , and West Bloomfield. In addition, 30 private schools achieved green school status.

Thanks to the dedicated effort of the school community, students and their families are learning firsthand the importance of protecting our resources and saving energy. Getting kids involved in learning to be environmentally responsible is an integral part of developing a green and sustainable future.

The Michigan Green Schools program began in 2006 as a grassroots initiative in Livingston County. In Oakland County, the county government and Oakland Schools partner to administer the program. It is open to all public or private, K-12 schools.

For more information on the Michigan Green School program, visit http://oakland.k12.mi.us, and select "Michigan Green Schools" in the center "Educators" column.