U.S. Department of Education Names Chariho, Cranston, Providence, and Westerly Schools as 2024 Green Ribbon Awardees

Published on Friday, April 26, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI — Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and the Rhode Island Department of Education announced today that five Rhode Island school communities have been designated as 2024 Green Ribbon awardees by the U.S. Department of Education, representing the most Green Ribbon awards earned in one year in Rhode Island. The prestigious designation is awarded to schools for their commitment to high-quality sustainability practices in their facilities and environmental education. Recipients are nationally recognized as some of America’s most successful educational institutions in reducing environmental impact and costs, improving health and wellness of students and staff, and providing effective sustainability education. Rhode Island remains the top state in New England for Green Ribbon Schools with a total of 23 awards and is the top state in the nation for Green Ribbon Schools per 1,000 schools.  

The following are 2024 Green Ribbon Awardees: 

• Garden City Elementary School, Cranston Public Schools 
• Chariho Regional School District 
• William D’Abate Elementary School, Providence Public School District 
• Frank D. Spaziano Elementary School, Providence Public School District 
• Dunn’s Corners Elementary School, Westerly Public Schools 

“Rhode Island's investments in 21st century schools are already yielding remarkable results. These achievements underscore our state’s commitment to providing students with innovative learning environments that prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Being recognized as a Green Ribbon School not only elevates the quality of education for students but also makes our state a better place to live and work, fostering a healthier and more prosperous future for all Rhode Islanders." 

“Congratulations to the five Rhode Island school communities who have earned the Green Ribbon distinction from the U.S Department of Education,” said Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Chair Patti DiCenso. “Our Green Ribbon schools reflect Rhode Island’s deep commitment to creating a more sustainable future through more 21st century facilities that are conducive for learning. We applaud the work of the school communities recognized for this honor.”    

The Rhode Island Department of Education is committed to sustainability and environmental education. Schools that are energy-efficient and integrate climate impacts into the classroom setting improve learning, boost student health and save taxpayer money. Since 2007, Rhode Island has taken a two-fold approach to ensure PreK-12 students learn in schools that are safe, clean and increasingly environment-friendly: regulations that ensure uniformity and equity in school construction, and compliance with Northeast Collaborative for High Performance Schools Protocol (NECHPS) requirements to ensure projects are built green.  

As a result, Rhode Island public schools built or renovated over the last 15 years use at least 30% less energy and 20% less water than buildings designed to code and have diverted at least 50% of construction waste from landfills. 

“Congratulations to the Chariho, Cranston, Providence, and Westerly school communities on this incredible achievement. We are thrilled to see the transformation of Rhode Island schools across our state and are committed to creating more environmentally friendly learning spaces,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “Environmental awareness and literacy are key to a successful learning environment, and the National Green Ribbon School recognition serves as a reminder that our state is making an impact on improving real-world learning. Congratulations to all those involved in helping our schools achieve this.”  

D’Abate Elementary School and Spaziano Elementary School, Providence 

Two of three new Providence schools opened this fall, D’Abate and Spaziano elementary schools, are examples of the District’s efforts under the state intervention to raise the percentage of students learning in high-quality learning spaces from just 5% to 100% by 2030. Entirely carbon neutral, the new Spaziano Elementary School replaced an outdated and dilapidated 70-year-old building with a modern facility featuring collaborative classrooms and breakout spaces; a gymnasium; media center; cafeteria; and pre-kindergarten, STEAM and special education facilities. The school also has an improved air filtration and ventilation system as well as features to reduce water use. At D’Abate Elementary School, the reconstruction of the 40,000 square foot facility now offers students and staff shared learning spaces, a 21st century library/media center, pre-kindergarten wing, and an elevator tower for increased accessibility. The facility includes energy efficiency systems, enhanced filtration, water efficient fixtures, and low emitting materials. Providence Public Schools now have five Green Ribbon Schools with Nathan Bishop Middle School, Classical High School, and Providence Career and Technical Academy earning the designation in past years. 

"The Providence Public School District is committed to providing our students with an education that extends beyond the classroom walls,” said Providence Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. “Receiving the Green Ribbon Award affirms our commitment to creating a healthy and sustainable environment where students can learn and thrive. We’re thankful for the state’s support in helping us construct more 21st schools that consider our environment and inspire our students to reach their highest potential.”  

Garden City School - Cranston 

The first Cranston school building completely rebuilt in the new millennia, Garden City Elementary School is equipped with high efficiency mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems with fresh air supply and filtration systems. The school, which opened in September, features modern classrooms and interactive collaboration spaces, a combined cafeteria and assembly space, labs, media center, gymnasium, makerspace, and outdoor learning spaces. Educators engage students, faculty, and staff in adopting energy-saving habits both inside and outside the classroom. Through the outdoor classrooms, teachers enrich the curriculum and bring subjects like science and literature to life, fostering a deeper connection with nature. Students at Garden City Elementary School are currently working on a project to reduce food waste.  

“We are so pleased that Garden City School is being recognized as a 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School,” said Cranston Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse. “Our design team was intentional when creating a 21st century learning space that promotes sustainability, health and wellness, and reduces costs as well as our impact on the environment. As a district, Cranston Public Schools strives to be a model for best practices in 21st century education and we believe that all of these components are part of that. We are proud of the work that our students and staff are doing at Garden City Elementary School every day and honored to be among the best of the best in building schools and educating students here in Rhode Island. We congratulate all of the other Rhode Island awardees.” 

Chariho Regional School District 

The Chariho Regional School District has actively worked to create an efficient and safe physical environment, by implementing policies and procedures that limit the use of fossil fuels, electricity consumption, and improve air quality systems. The district has replaced their hot water heating generation equipment at the middle school and high school, and activated solar power generation for approximately 66 percent of electricity needs. They have also moved to a near-complete LED-based lighting system in the district. At Charlestown Elementary School, outdoor learning spaces were created to enhance students’ access to the natural environment around them through outdoor learning games, a nature trail and more.  

“We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our district has been honored with the Green Ribbon Award,” said Chariho Superintendent Gina Picard. “This remarkable achievement speaks volumes about our unwavering dedication to fostering an environment that supports student and staff health and wellness. We have also made a difference through our emphasis on initiatives that show a commitment to environmental sustainability. Our district's Green Teams, comprised of dedicated individuals from our schools and community, have worked tirelessly to promote environmentally responsible choices and opportunities. We extend our deepest gratitude to our teachers, staff, students, parents, and community volunteers whose hard work and dedication have made this recognition possible. Being recognized for our efforts is a tremendous honor that only strengthens our resolve to continue striving for a greener future. Together, we are laying the foundation for future generations, and we are excited to embark on this journey towards a more sustainable tomorrow.” 

Dunn’s Corners Elementary School, Westerly  

Dunn’s Corners Elementary School has focused on environmental preservation and education since the COVID-19 pandemic. The school has implemented initiatives including waste management through recycling and composting, as well as gardening and reducing energy use and costs. The school has replaced all water fountains with water bottle refill stations, while promoting the amount of water bottles that have been saved through this initiative. The school has also replaced lighting features throughout the building with LED sensor lights that are energy efficient and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Cleaning materials have also been shifted to microfiber cloths and reusable spray bottles in the wake of the pandemic.  

“Westerly is thrilled that our work to create a greener and more sustainable school community at Dunn’s Corners Elementary School is being commended by the federal government,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Garceau. “We all have a role to play in protecting our natural resources and promoting environmentally conscious efforts that will benefit our planet. I applaud all members of our school community who worked collaboratively to help us earn this federal distinction.” 

The four Rhode Island schools and one district were part of 41 schools, 10 districts and three postsecondary institutions being honored for their commitment to green education in 2024. To view all of the winners, please go to the award winner page. You may also access the full report with information for all honorees. For more information on the award, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon School homepage.  

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