All Warwick schools receive OCGSSP Green Star Score Award for sustainability efforts

From left: Dianne Connolly, Elementary Assoc. Principal; Ms. Sandy Wood, Park Avenue Elementary Principal; Dr. Larry Washington, WV High School Principal; Ms. Georgianna Diopoulos, WV Middle School Principal; Mr. Ermin Siljkovic, OC Recycling Coordinator; Ms. Johnna Maraia, Sanfordville Elementary Principal

In the Orange County Green Star Schools Program (OCGSSP) to support sustainability efforts, all four Warwick Valley schools, including Park Avenue Elementary, Sanfordville Elementary, Warwick Valley Middle School and Warwick Valley High School, have been awarded 5 Green Stars, the highest possible rating.

This success was the result of a great team effort in each building, particularly in the areas of:

• Reusable or compostable lunch trays
• Pairing of garbage and recycling bins
• Green Purchasing Evidence
• Composting/anaerobic digesting (advanced)
• Outreach to students at Reduce, Recycle, Reuse (RRR)
• Carton and plastic bottle recycling
• Water bottle refilling stations
• Board of Education Reduce, Recycle, Reuse (RRR) Policy
• Waste analysis

The award was presented at the June 11 Board of Education meeting by Mr. Ermin Siljkovic, Recycling Coordinator, Orange County DPW Division of Environmental Facilities & Services (EF&S).