St Michael Parish School recently earned an Earth Flag. On May 4, the school will participate in a flag presentation ceremony in St. Michael Catholic Church, 310 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton, IL, following the 8:00 a.m. All- School Mass. The flag represents the school’s commitment to conservation through education and action.

Efforts to earn the Earth Flag were spearheaded by the school’s Green Club, in cooperation with an organization called SCARCE (School & Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education). The mission of the organization is to inspire people, through education, to preserve & care for the Earth's natural resources, while working to build sustainable communities.

Certification Requirements

• Teacher/staff in-service - The in-service is provided by SCARCE. In this (free) 30-45 minute session, a SCARCE representative educates the teachers and staff of the school about the Earth Flag Certification, water & energy conservation, recycling, green initiatives, etc. This program is intended to "kick-off" the school's participation in the Earth Flag Certification program. At least 75% of staff and teachers need to be present.
• Student education - This requirement is generally the second step of the certification process. SCARCE staff go to the school and present to the students in an assembly-type setting.
• Reduction activities - Some examples of reduction activities are; no-waste lunch, waste audit, paper-free day, locker/desk leftover, book/puzzle exchanges, both sides of paper policy, one note home per family, etc.
• Ongoing school recycling policy - Recycling is an extremely important step in the Earth Flag Certification process. The school must have recycling for paper, plastic, glass & aluminum in place.

Green Club Coordinator, Marcy Gainer said of the club’s accomplishment, “We are so proud of our school and parish! The St. Michael Green Team has worked so hard and continues to learn more ways to have a positive impact on our environment. The biggest reward is knowing we are teaching our children how to love and preserve God's Earth.”