Silver

Step 1: Form an Eco-Action Team

The school has identified an Eco-Action Team comprised of students, teachers, and community members. (10 points)
The Eco-Action Team meets a minimum of six times a year. (10 points)
Students are part of the decision-making process and share responsibility for keeping minutes at each meeting, as age appropriate. (5 points)
Student members of the Eco-Action Team share information, actions, and events with the whole school. (5 points)

Total: 30 points

Baseline audits for two pathways have been conducted. (20 points)
Students play an active role in conducting the environmental pathway audits. (10 points)
Results of the audits are shared with the whole school. (5 points)

Total: 35 points | Required documentation for upload: 2 Pathway Audits

The Eco-Action Team uses results from the pathway audits to inform and develop an action plan that includes measurable actions. (20 points)
The Eco-Action Plan is used to take at least one action at the school for each pathway, addressing areas for environmental improvement. (10 points)
The Eco-Action Plan is shared with the whole school and greater community. (5 points)

Total: 35 points | Required documentation for upload: A total of 2 Pathway Action Plans

The Eco-Action Team monitors and reviews progress against the Eco-Action Plan's goals and timeline. (15 points)
A digital, oral, and/or written progress report is provided to the whole school. (5 points)
The school shows significant progress on one large-scale project that is focused on the two selected pathways or one project for each selected pathway. (5 points)
The post-action audits for the selected pathways have been completed. (10 points)

Total: 35 points | Required documentation for upload: Post action audits for two pathways; optional written summary, photos, videos

At all grade levels students are engaged in interdisciplinary, authentic learning experiences around environmental topics. (15 points)
Students' environment-based learning experiences are rooted in inquiry and allow them to hone and apply science and engineering practices. (10 points)

Total: 25 points

The school has a prominent, designated way to communicate with the whole school and greater community, such as a bulletin board, website, or newsletter that details Eco-Schools activities and accomplishments. (10 points)
Multiple grade levels, along with community volunteers, engage in a minimum of three Eco-Schools USA related activities, such as (but not limited to) Eco-Action Team meetings, classroom or whole-school speaking engagements, audit support, and professional services support. (10 points)

Total: 20 points

The Eco-Action Team develops an Eco-Code with input from the whole school. The code is then agreed upon, adopted, and prominently displayed by the school. (20 points)

Total: 20 points | Required documentation for upload: Eco-Code