1. New Recycling & Landfill signage for all classrooms / offices.

2. Launched a new School Recycling Website: learning & resource hub for our schools.

3. Encouraging Educators to share new recycling learning resources with their classrooms.

4. Sharing recycling resources with Staff.

5. Encouraging schools to pilot the “student recycling dance” in April, in hopes of streamlining recycling collection and engaging our students in recycling efforts in our schools.

6. Piloting 2 tandem dollies at JEH with SWANCC grant funding, in hopes of streamlining recycling and trash collection by custodians. Kudos Corner from SWANCC (end of newsletter). Welcome suggestions for grant funding to purchase 50+ more for our schools.
   

Shout out to the Nichols 8th grade Media Arts classes who created infographic posters about recycling, composting and climate change. Ms Nava's homeroom students created two bulletin board displays on the first floor at Nichols in honor of Earth Day.

Thanks to all who joined our April 16 community meeting. Shout Out to our guest speaker, Katrina Wilcox, who shared about Club Tree'd which is a new club she's leading at Haven Middle School.

D65 is hosting a 2024 End of School Clean Out from May 13-June 7. Learn More about this year's process and timeline.

Did you know? Last year, our D65 schools mobilized to gather leftover school supplies from classrooms and lockers that would typically go to the landfill. 12 schools participated and we donated over 203 boxes of new and gently used school supplies. We encouraged sharing and reuse within our schools and D65 Families, along with creating 3 School Supply Swap Closets at Haven, Dawes & Lincolnwood. Remaining items were donated to Art Makers Outpost (local), SCARCE, Books4Cause, Better World Books and Goodwill.

District 65 is thrilled to return a neighborhood school to the Fifth Ward community. This summer, we expect to break ground on our new school, serving approximately 600 students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Join D65 and Cordogan Clark architects for an informal, open-house style event to get a sneak peek at design plans for the new school and be a part of community-based recommendations for the name and mascot of the school.

• See the preliminary exterior design and street views
• Check out the new K-5 building design and exciting features for the classrooms, library, cafetorium, gym, and common spaces
• Learn how we are striving for the most sustainable building design possible
• Cast your vote for the school mascot
• React to possible school names suggested by Fifth Ward residents
• Hear about our campus model and exploratory partnerships with Family Focus and the Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center

While not required, RSVPs are appreciated. Please register by May 2.

Details:

WHEN: Tuesday, May 7, 6-7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Fleetwood Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St., Evanston

NOTE: Spanish interpretation and light refreshments will be provided.

Volunteers needed! Please sign up if you are able to help with setup on Thursday, May 9 or Friday, May 10, or assist at the sale on Saturday, May 11. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Earn up to $2000 for the development of wildlife habitat at your school! Projects must emphasize student/youth involvement with planning, development and maintenance and increase the educational and wildlife habitat values of the site. Applications due Nov. 30, learn more.

The Evanston Ecology Center is now a Litter Free Supply Station with Friends of the Chicago River. D65 schools can follow the link to reserve a Litter Free kit, which is a duffel bag with supplies.

Want to get more involved? Check out the Evanston Adopt A Park programs.

• D65 Sustainability Focus: 23-24 School Year
  
• D65 Guidance for Climate Action and Gardens at Schools: 23-24 School Year
  
• D65 Sustainability and Garden Resources Library
• D65 Sustainability Positive Impact: 22-23 School Year
• D65 Climate Action & Garden Community Contact List
• D65 Sustainability Website