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Agenda Item No. 4(B) CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO PROCLAMATION Recognizing Prospect Sierra on Winning the Green Ribbon Schools Award WHEREAS, Prospect Sierra is an independent K-8 school located in El Cerrito and was recently announced as one of the 64 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Secretary of Education; and WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools recognition award honors schools that are exemplary in reducing environmental impact and costs; improving the health and wellness of students and staff; and providing effective environmental and sustainability education, which incorporates STEM, civic skills and green career pathways; and WHEREAS, Prospect Sierra was the only California private school nominated for this award by State Superintendent Tom Torlakson. This is the second year of the Green Ribbon Schools Awards and Prospect Sierra shares the distinction with 54 public schools and 9 private schools from 29 states and the District of Columbia; and WHEREAS, Prospect Sierra was nominated for their eco-literacy curriculum and student activity across grade levels in reducing environmental impacts. Such activities include, their 180-gallon rainwater harvesting system to serve the Avis garden, kindergarteners’ support of the creek restoration project by annual tree-planting trips, and the student-led implementation of our school-wide waste reduction and composting system; and WHEREAS, according to U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, “Today’s honorees are modeling a comprehensive approach to being green. They are demonstrating ways schools can simultaneously cut costs; improve health, performance, and equity; and provide an education geared toward the jobs of the future.” NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito does hereby recognize and congratulate Prospect Sierra School on being one of the schools to win the Green Ribbon Schools Award and for having a positive impact in education with an emphasis on the environment and green advocacy. Dated: May 21, 2013 Gregory B. Lyman, Mayor