Prairie Trails School was announced as a recipient of the 2023 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award Thursday by the U.S. Department of Education. The prestigious award recognizes schools and districts that have demonstrated exceptional efforts to reduce environmental impact, promote sustainability and provide environmental education to students.
In March, Prairie Trails was named one of two recipients of the Illinois Green Ribbon School Award winner by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). ISBE subsequently nominated the school for national recognition. Prairie Trails is among 26 schools and 11 districts across the country that are being honored by the U.S. Department of Education.
“Your work shines a spotlight on the way that modern, healthy, efficient school facilities, wellness practices and learning about the environment can increase student achievement and educational equity,” U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in his announcement message. “Your example shows us what’s possible when we push the envelope on innovation.”
A renovation of Prairie Trails, which serves pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students, was completed in 2021. The project made the school the first net-zero energy facility in Mount Prospect. Sustainability features include solar panels, a permeable paver parking lot, and a more efficient heating, cooling and ventilation system. The school grounds also contain a natural playground that was selected as a 2022 Merit Award winner by the American Society of Landscape Architects.
“We are proud to be recognized by the Department of Education for our sustainability efforts,” Principal Amy Veytsman said. “Prairie Trails is home to our district’s youngest learners and we feel a responsibility to ensure they grow up in a healthy environment. At the same time, we want them to walk out of here with an understanding about how each of us can do our part to protect the planet.”
The U.S. Department of Education will honor Prairie Trails and other U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award winners at an August ceremony in Washington, D.C.