The Green Scene Newsletter
Back to School 2026
A New School Year, A New Green Start
The FY27 school year brings new resources, programs, and opportunities to support green initiatives across the District. Updates include an expanded Green Champion Program, a new Sustainable Schools site in the Employee Portal, a shared community events calendar, and continued opportunities for collaboration with local partners. These resources are designed to make it easier for schools, facilities, staff, students, and community partners to connect, participate, and take action throughout the year.
Green Champions Are Back for FY27
The Green Champion Stipend Program returns for FY27, providing school and facility employees with opportunities to lead green initiatives at their sites. Last year, more than 100 Green Champions across District schools and facilities participated in the program and earned more than $40,000 in stipends for completing green activities. The Sustainable Schools Team looks forward to building on this momentum and welcoming returning and new Green Champions for another year of action and engagement.
Unwrap the Waves
The School District of Palm Beach County is participating in Loggerhead Marinelife Center's Unwrap the Waves Candy Wrapper Recycling Contest, sponsored by the SDPBC Sustainable Schools Initiative. From October 14 through November 14, 2026, schools and facilities are encouraged to collect clean and dry candy wrappers for recycling.
The top collecting elementary, middle, and high schools will each receive an outdoor bench made from recycled materials. One additional participating school will be randomly selected to receive the special opportunity to name a sea turtle patient at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Schools and facilities must register by September 18, 2026, to participate.
Sustainability Symposium
The Sustainability Symposium returns this fall, bringing educators, District staff, and community partners together to learn, connect, and share ideas for advancing green initiatives in schools and the community. Attendees will have access to local experts, classroom resources, professional development, and networking opportunities. The event will take place on October 12, 2026, at Florida Power & Light's Manatee Lagoon.
Green Schools Challenge
Enrollment is open for the Dream in Green’s Green Schools Challenge, a year-long competition that takes a whole-system approach to energy, water, and resource efficiency. From September through April, students engage in hands-on lessons exploring resource conservation and sustainability while earning points for their school. Top-performing schools in this tricounty competition are recognized in a special awards ceremony hosted by Dream in Green at the end of the school year. Visit the Dream in Green Academy Application to register your school.
Funds2Orgs Fundraising Opportunity
Support your school’s sustainability goals while earning extra funds with Funds2Orgs! Through this district partnership, schools can host a shoe drive fundraiser to collect new or gently worn shoes. It’s a zero-cost, no-selling initiative that keeps items out of landfills, supports the global reuse economy, and earns 100% profit for your school programs. Get started and access free promotional materials at the SDPBC Funds2Orgs Page.