With its successful STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) program entering its second year, Western Academy Charter School wanted to enrich its program by adding an environmental component. To this end, they decided to go for the “green” and work toward becoming a green school through the Pine Jog Environmental Green School Recognition Program.
Western Academy already recycled paper and cardboard, but is now implementing a program to recycle ink toners, ink cartridges and cell phones, and is adding a quarterly clothing drive. They are also working on plans to host a paper shredding event.
Thanks to a donation from Costa Farms in Miami, air purifying plants that filter out toxins and release fresh air were placed in each classroom, the school office and the visitor’s sitting areas. Western Academy will be applying for the Green Recognition Award in 2016.
“We are excited about Western Academy Charter School becoming a green school and doing our part to help the environment,” Western Academy Linda Terranova said. “Our goal is to educate the whole child, and part of that is to teach them to be responsible citizens of the earth by reducing, reusing and recycling.”
On Saturday, Sept. 19, the entire student body, staff and their families will be asked to join in cleaning up the local environment at the international coastal cleanup.
For more about Western Academy, located in Royal Palm Beach, call (561) 792-4123 or visit www.westernacademycharter.com. Learn about the green schools program at www.ourgreenschools.com.
ABOVE: Sixth grade STEAM students at Western Academy.
