Students and their families are integral to the success of sustainability initiatives in our district. They also played an important role during the Washington Green Strides Tour.  

Lake Washington School District hosted representatives from the U.S. Department of Education and the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction on October 28 as part of the 2019 Green Strides Tour. This year’s tour, themed “Whole Child, Whole School Sustainability,” was October 28-30 in Washington schools.  

Lake Washington School District was named a 2019 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School District Sustainability Awardee for its efforts to reduce environmental impact and costs; improve health and wellness; and teach environmental education. Two sites and three schools were featured on the October 28 tour: Carl Sandburg Elementary/Discovery Community School and Peter Kirk Elementary School. 

Thanks to a longtime partnership with the Carl Sandburg/Discovery Community School PTSA, the school is herbicide free. The PTSA and other community partners take time on weekends and holidays to help weed the school grounds. The Sandburg/DCS sustainability chair explained how the program works and how the school’s rain gardens naturally filter stormwater at the site.  

Students at Sandburg/DCS and Kirk were excited to share how they help with recycling and composting after lunch. Both schools have been recognized by King County Green Schools for reducing waste through recycling, composting and other efforts. 

Attendees at Kirk Elementary learned about energy-saving features of the new building such as renewable geothermal loops. Underground temperatures stay relatively constant year-round. Geothermal technology takes advantage of this by using a closed system of water-filled loops to heat (or cool) the school.  

The school design also allows abundant natural light into the building. LED lights help conserve energy and enhance the student learning environment. Sensors dim lights automatically on sunny days. 

“Our students and staff are leading by example in their cafeterias and classrooms,” said Dr. Jane Stavem, Superintendent. “With the help of supportive parents and community members, Lake Washington School District is doing its part to protect the environment for students today and in the future.”