Carleton school one of a handful to receive state’s ‘evergreen’ designation

Adorabelle Namigadde | Special to The Michigan Catholic

Carleton — St. Patrick Catholic School was among seven other schools in Monroe County to receive the state’s highest distinction for environmental friendliness this year.

“We tie this with the bishops’ conference on respect and social justice,” principal Ruth Meiring said.

The distinction, “Evergreen,” is given by the state through the Michigan Green Schools program. A point system helps determine how “green” a school is.

A school that incurs 20 or more points is Evergreen; 15 to 19 points is Emerald; and a school that receives 10 to 14 points is Green. Points are earned based on a school’s participation in activities such as recycling, energy-saving measures and environmental protection.

St. Patrick Catholic School was recognized in part for adopting an endangered species, promoting energy-efficient technology in school operations and promoting the health of the Great Lakes watershed.

“We changed the fluorescent lighting and got a timed thermostat as part of our efforts,” Meiring said. “We recycle drink pouches and cellphones, too.”

As a school in a rural community in Carleton, Meiring said, most students are already raised with a sense of stewardship for the Earth. However, educating students on the importance of saving resources is invaluable, she said.

“Previously where a student might have stomped on a spider or a worm, they’ll save it because they see the connection that we’re all part of the Earth,” she said.

The school regularly takes part in events that promote environmental friendliness. St. Patrick competed in a phone book recycling contest with 11 other Monroe County schools and won second place and a $300 check.

Last winter, students held a winter wear drive with goods distributed by the Father Solanus Casey Center. They recycled cards to send to homebound people for Christmas.

“Going green allows us to work with other entities in the community,” Meiring said. “We worked with the River Conservation Institute and Madonna University to make elephants for the Monroe County parade. When we work together, we get a lot more done.”

The Michigan Green Schools program allows schools to apply for the distinction by submitting an application to the intermediate school district to which they belong.

A school must perform at least two activities from four categories to receive “green” recognition. These categories are Recycling, Energy, Environmental Protection and Miscellaneous. Activities must be approved by a Michigan Green School county coordinator.

St. Patrick Catholic School was approved to receive a $3,000 matching Green School Environmental grant through Monroe County. Meiring said the money will go toward the creation of an outdoor learning garden. Students will study different species and methods for water conservation in the garden, and plants will create a wind break for the winter winds and summer cooling. The school will also install bird feeders on school grounds in hopes of increasing the present bird population.

“We had DTE Energy come in and give tips on conserving energy at school and home. Now the kids were able to take home tips to their parents and exchange teaching roles,” Meiring said. “The best part is seeing the students take initiative and get excited on their own.”

Meiring said students are learning that as creatures with higher intellect, human beings are responsible for caring for other animals and nature.

“If we take care of the Earth, it will produce bountiful crops for us and our children,” she said.

Several Catholic schools in other parts of the archdiocese, such as Divine Child Elementary School in Dearborn and Guardian Angels School in Clawson, also received the “evergreen” designation.