Sustainability Plan

The World We Live In

MUS Vision

MUS Mission Statement

Montecito Union School District, a historic cornerstone of the community, is dedicated to providing a comprehensive educational foundation, cultivating a passion for learning, honoring the unique qualities and strengths of our children, and challenging them to attain their full potential. 

Green Team Mission Statement

The mission of the MUS Green Team is to inspire and educate the children and families of MUS by providing a framework that encourages a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship with the goal of making a positive and lasting impact on public health and the environment.

Green Initiative #1: Facilities and Purchasing/Strategic Plan

Goal- Collaborate with the Administration and School Board in the development of an overarching facilities and purchasing plan, utilizing environmental standards for energy reduction, waste management, water reduction, and green purchasing strategies.

Objectives:

·      Select a Green Team representative to the Facilities Committee to serve as a “green” resource in the development of the Facilities Master Plan

·      Make environmental sustainability a fundamental priority in our school and set an example for the wider community

·      Coordinate with the Administration to develop purchasing procedures that prioritize products that have the least possible environmental impact

Green Initiative #2: Student Advocates and Activities

 Goal –Provide MUS students opportunities to engage in informative and experiential activities and initiatives related to sustainability and environmental education, as well as specific leadership programs, that allow them to have a direct role in instituting positive change.

Objectives:

·      Keep MUS community informed about “green” activities and student leadership opportunities

·      Develop Green Team/Student Advocate presence on MUS website

·      Introduce and implement After School Programs that provide children with opportunities to appreciate the natural world

·      Introduce and implement Cool the Earth Program (3-5 years)

Green Initiative #3: Event Greening/Waste Diversion

Goal –Develop and implement a school-wide waste plan, in conjunction with the Facilities Master Plan, that enables our school to divert all compostable and recyclable waste in a manner that is less expensive and less time-consuming than current procedures. Foster a school-wide culture and mentality that embraces waste as a resource.

Objectives:

·      Create integrated processes for the greening of all campus events

·      Regularly assess and improve our school-wide waste diversion efforts through composting and recycling

·      Develop a strategy for “zero-waste food services,” including procedures for composting food waste 

·      Create a resource manual for sourcing supplies and supporting sustainable practices 

·      Serve as “Green Ambassadors” at community events

Green Initiative #4: Parent Education and Communication

Goal- Provide opportunities to educate MUS parents and the wider community about environmental issues and the specific actions the Green Team is taking to address them.

Objectives:

·      Continue monthly articles in the MUM

·      Advocate for optimal Green Team inclusion in the updated MUS website

·      Maintain a presence at Back to School Day, Back to School Night and other events to encourage Green Team committee outreach and expansion

·      Provide a Green Team booth at the annual carnival to educate students and parents about sustainability

·      Hold parent education workshops and film screenings, and invite guest speakers that address environmental issues

·      Educate parents about viable “zero-waste lunch” solutions

Green Initiative #5: Curriculum

Goal- Support MUS students in developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes to become responsible environmental stewards of the earth. Model environmental awareness and provide students with opportunities to take local environmental actions that will foster a lifelong commitment to protecting the planet.

Objectives:

·      Host annual MUS Earth Day Festival

·      Conduct a yearly project in each classroom from the FOSS Science Program, or other sources, which emphasizes the California environmental education standards. Display class projects at MUS Earth Day Festival

·      Assist teachers in finding and implementing annual service learning projects that advocate environmental responsibility

·      Encourage teachers to add books with environmental themes into their literature programs

·      Add environmental responsibility to MUS character development programs