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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday June 28, 2008 - 13 Eco-Schools growing in popularity Six times as many schools within the Halton District School Board have earned Eco-Schools status compared to the previous year. Thirty-five Halton public schools are now certified by Ontario EcoSchools for their efforts in operating with more environmental consciousness, well up from the six schools certified in 2006-07. The most recent Eco-Schools certification for Halton's public board includes 10 awards at the top level, gold, 21 awards at the silver level and four at bronze. The dramatic increase in the certified numbers means 37 per cent of Halton public schools are certified as Ontario Eco-Schools. Those with gold certification for the just-concluded school year include Burlington schools Robert Bateman and Central high schools plus Florence Meares and Alexander's elementary. Achieving gold in Oakville were Thomas A. Blakelock and Abbey Park high schools, and Joshua Creek and Brookdale elementary. Robert Little elementary in Acton and Brookville elementary in Milton were the other gold-certified schools. Blakelock, Joshua Creek and Robert Little are the only repeat gold level schools. The two schools that improved their status were Abbey Park (from silver to gold) and Pineland elementary of Burlington (from bronze to silver). Each of the newly-certified schools focused its efforts in the priority areas of waste minimization, energy conservation, ecological literacy and school grounds greening. As part of the Eco-Schools program, each school developed an EcoTeam with student, staff and parent participation, organizing school-wide projects such as waste-free or boomerang lunches, recycling programs and school-yard tree plantings. "Increasing the number of schools establishing eco-friendly practices is one of the targets identified in the board's operational plan," said Gillian Tuck Kutarna, chair of the board of trustees. "I'm pleased to see so many schools being recognized for their efforts to create more sustainable environments, which benefit our communities and enhance education opportunities for our children," she added. According to Ron Ballentine and Kim Wallace, co-chairs of the Halton District School Board Environmental Management Team, it is the growing support from staff and students that has helped schools move to the next level to create more sustainable schools. "Our board's increase in certification is by far the greatest improvement in the province," said Ballentine. "We're proud of these schools for leading the way with these important environmental initiatives." Recognition and celebration of the new or improved EcosSchools status for the various Halton schools will take place at the Halton Student EcoCelebrations in October. Oakville Restaurant Your Pool Is Our Reputation When you are here you are like family! Family Restaurant, Eat in, Take Out or Delivery "FREE DELIVERY" Monday thru Saturday 11am to 10pm SENIOR CITIZEN'S 10% OFF Oakville Restaurant EXTRA LARGE PIZZA (2 TOPPINGS) 10-PIECE BUFFALO WINGS $ 19 .95 PICK UP OR DELIVER MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SUMMER DON'T DELAY! 905.825.1889 1470 Speers Rd. (between Third & Fourth Line) FREE SALT GENERATOR WITH ALL JULY INSTALLS. *APPROX. RETAIL VALUE $2000 www.uniquepools.ca 905-304-4774 or 1-866-929-4774 BOOK NOW SWIM NOW SAVE NOW