About the Green Schools Program:

The Michigan Green Schools Program started from a grassroots initiative by students at Hartland High School. In the spring of 2006, Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed Public Act 146 into law creating the Michigan Green Schools Program. The law states that counties may award Official Michigan Green School status to schools who achieve 10 of 20 criteria specified.

The Macomb County Green Schools Program launched in 2008-09 with outstanding participation from 45 schools across the county. Staff and students from various elementary, middle and high schools took part in activities and began initiatives which met the 10 points required for Official Michigan Green School status. Applications with details were submitted and reviewed for compliance. Schools were awarded a flag and certificate at an Earth Day awards celebration.

In 2009, Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties formed the Southeast Michigan Green Schools Initiative and added further enhancements to the Michigan Green Schools Program so that schools that have already achieved Official Green School status can take their efforts to a higher level. Schools new to the program may also choose to complete extra points to achieve one of the new designations.

Applications for the 2009-10 year should be submitted by March 1, 2010 to be considered for the award.

In The News ...

Michigan lawmakers consider shades of green for school environmental program ...

(By Nick Mordowanec, Great Lakes Echo, Oct. 25, 2009)