First Membership Conference set for Saturday,
Nov. 14th (details below)!
The Green Schools Coalition of Westchester (GSCW) is a coalition of public and independent schools that seeks to advance education and best practices for sustainability in the schools and communities across Westchester County. Our genesis can be traced to the vision and efforts of four groups:
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Members of the Education Sector of the Westchester County Global Warming Task Force
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School district teams of students, teachers, administrators and parents who attended the Saturday, March 28, 2009 meeting at Teatown Lake Reservation
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The 60 plus public schools/districts and independent schools who responded to our recent questionnaire regarding school sustainability issues (
details on the results)
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Our mission is to support each other as schools implement the Westchester County Climate Change Task Force Action Plans for K-12 Schools & Higher Education.
The GSCW realizes that some schools and districts have advanced efforts underway in both curriculum and carbon reduction programs and some districts are just beginning to explore what they can do and where they should begin. We plan to support each and every K-12 member school or district, public or private. We are not competing with each other. Our ultimate success, a healthy, sustainable planet for all, depends on our collective and collaborative efforts. Together we can make a difference.
Green Schools Coalition Survey Results
A sustainability snapshot of Westchester schools was taken over the spring and summer of 2009 via an on-line Green Schools Coalition Survey. Sixty three (63) public schools districts/schools and independent schools responded and proved that a level of seriousness about sustainability already exists and at varying levels of development. The Survey Results provide insights into how schools are tackling climate change issues from a facility, budgetary, policy, curriculum and community-wide approach and demonstrate why so many administrators, teachers, parents and students are interested in sharing resources and partnering together.
Leadership Briefing for Superintendents and Headmasters held on October 1st
GSCW’s first meeting was a tremendous success! More than fifty Westchester school leaders, including four high school students, attended the October 1st two-hour briefing at the New York Power Authority building in White Plains. Highlights of the meeting included inspirational presentations by Dr. McGill, Scarsdale Superintendent; Dr. Frances Wills, Briarcliff Superintendent; Dr. Karen Benedict, Katonah Lewisboro Deputy Superintendent; and Mr. Peter McAndrew, Hackley School Finance Director.
Members of the GSCW Founding Committee discussed the formation of the Coalition, our mission, our goals, survey results, and how we can support individual schools and districts. Look below for the power point presentation shown at the meeting and Oct. 7th Letter from Steve Frantz, Director, GSCW, which will fill you in on many details about GSCW.
How to Join GSCW
Superintendents and headmasters may register “teams” to be members of the Coalition. Each five-member team will include a student, teacher, parent, curriculum/instruction leader, and a facilities administrator. We are committed to serving all the stakeholders in Westchester’s school communities. In order to join, your school must pledge its support for the ideals of sustainability education and recognition of its importance (see Westchester Global Warming Task Force Education Vision Statement). As members you will do your best to attend appropriate GSCW conferences and meetings and that you agree to collaborate with other Westchester school teams to support our shared vision.
GSCW Membership Form
GSCW Membership Conference: Saturday, November 14th
Here are some preliminary details regarding this important and highly participatory conference taking place at 360 Hamilton Ave in White Plains on Saturday, Nov. 14th from 8:30 am – 1:00 pm. Agenda includes: a) Keynote Speaker; b) General Session; c) Stakeholder Groups - students, parents, teachers, administrators, and facilities managers; d) Tiered Discussions designed to respond to needs of schools/districts at beginning stages of going “green” and those who are dealing with more advanced sustainability issues; e) Team meetings; and much more. Networking with your colleagues and learning about “green shortcuts” are just two of the many extra benefits to be derived from this 5-hour conference. Conference entrance fees and GSCW membership fee: simple - send us the completed Membership Form and list of school/district green team members. Put on your calendar now and don’t miss.
Global Warming Plan 
