Kansas high school wins ecology award

Eisenhower High School has an all-around approach to the Eco-Schools USA pathways, addressing 9 of the 10 paths. The school is also a Kansas Green School and a certified Monarch Way Station. Students spend an average of 125 minutes per week in outdoor learning, and the campus has 300 culturally significant plants and grasses in their outdoor space that’s cut the need for water. Eisenhower is also a Project Learning Tree Green School.-photo Eisenhower High School

GODDARD, Kan. (AP) — A south-central Kansas school has been honored for its efforts to help the environment.

The Wichita Eagle reports the National Wildlife Federation has named Eisenhower High School in Goddard one of its top 10 Eco-Schools. The honor recognizes the school’s commitment to wildlife protection, sustainability and environmental education.

Eisenhower High School has built an outdoor classroom, planted about 300 culturally significant plants and become a certified wildlife site and monarch butterfly way station. Last year, students recycled more than 15 tons of paper, 600,000 bottles and 300 pounds of aluminum cans.

Teacher Denise Scribner was instrumental in landing the award and is a state finalist for the Presidential Award of Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. Her work also earned the school the Kansas Green School Award in 2014.