2 Rochester schools win ‘green’ grants

Through March 15, Rochester Hills residents who participate in the Recyclebank program can donate their earned points to help two local elementary schools receive a Green Schools Grant.

Long Meadow and University Hills have been selected as Recyclebank Green Schools and are competing with 27 others across the United States. Recyclebank will give the schools $1 for every 250 points donated up to $2,500. Part of the money will be matched by Domtar, a national paper company.

“This is the third consecutive year that a Rochester Hills school has been named as a Green School, and thanks to our residents’ generosity in donating their Recyclebank points, we have not lost an award yet,” says Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett. “We have received over $14,000 for school environmental projects.”

University Hills will engage students in creating an outdoor classroom by placing limestone boulders under a majestic oak on the school grounds. Students will plant several Michigan native plants to create an area where lessons will be conducted across several disciplines, not just science-based projects. Local history units or nature-inspired creative writing are just a few ideas for learning time under the tree.

“Our hope is that by providing students with this unique learning environment that it will add to their sense of stewardship for their surroundings and will reinforce their role as valued members of our school community,” says Michelle Mineau, co-chair of the UHills PTA Go Green committee.

Long Meadow Elementary will create a permanent recycling center and provide each of its 30 classrooms with a recycling container with the goal of teaching kids about the importance of recycling and the hope of establishing life-long habits.

“We are excited that Recyclebank has given us the opportunity to enhance our green school program with community involvement,” says Barb Rill, a member of Long Meadow’s PTA board and Green Committee. “Our desired outcome is to educate students and parents about the importance of recycling and reducing our carbon footprint.”

Donating Recyclebank points is easy. Visit Recyclebank.com/greenschools and select Long Meadow or University Hills from the list of 2012-2013 Green Schools. Recyclebank will convert your donated points into dollars that go directly to your school of choice.

Want to support both schools? That’s allowed, too, says Mayor Barnett. “Residents can split their points between the two schools by selecting the number of points and school of choice in two separate transactions.”

Through its curbside recycling program and digital platform, Recyclebank incentivizes environmentally preferable behaviors with points that can be redeemed for discounts and rewards from participating local and national business partners. For more information, visit www.recyclebank.com.

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