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Green & Healthy

The School District of Washburn Embraces These Three Green & Healthy Goals

Reducing Environmental Impacts and Costs

Improving Health and Wellness

High standards of Whole School Whole Community, Whole Child health, including health, nutrition, and outdoor physical education; health, counseling, and psychological services for both students and staff and family community involvement
An integrated school environmental health program - considerations during design, construction, renovation, operations, and maintenance of facilities and grounds, including cleaning and maintenance; mold and moisture; chemical and environmental contaminants; ventilation; and pests and pesticides

Wellness Policy Report Card

Increasing Environmental Literacy

Interdisciplinary learning about the key relationships between dynamic environmental, energy, and human systems
Use of the environment and sustainability to develop STEM content knowledge and thinking skills to prepare graduates for the 21st-century technology-driven economy
Development of civic engagement knowledge and skills and students' application of such knowledge and skills to address sustainability issues in their community

Green & Healthy Learning Spaces

School Forest

School Garden

The School Garden

Get your hands dirty and grow with us in the Elementary School Garden! Our students are cultivating a vibrant outdoor classroom where they learn to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables, from crisp lettuce to juicy tomatoes. They are also tending to our small orchard, which provides us with delicious apples and pears each year. The garden is a place for discovery, where students can connect with nature, understand where their food comes from, and dig into the hands-on fun of harvesting what they've grown.

Student kneeling next to some garden plants they grew

vegetables that were harvested from the garden

Students harvesting in the garden

Students harvesting the garden

Student harvesting the orchard trees

Pears harvested from the orchard

The Lost City

The Lost City

Hidden away in the woods behind our school is a truly special place: the Lost City. This isn't your average playground; it's a natural space where students are encouraged to use their imaginations, explore, and simply be kids. Filled with mossy rocks, fallen logs, and towering trees, the Lost City provides the perfect backdrop for building forts, discovering "ancient" treasures, and creating adventures. This unstructured outdoor play is crucial for developing problem-solving skills, fostering creativity, and building a deeper connection with the natural world.

Aquaponics Lab

Aquaponics Lab

Our school's aquaponics lab is a dynamic, hands-on learning environment where science comes to life! This innovative system combines aquaculture (raising fish in tanks) with hydroponics (growing plants in water), creating a symbiotic ecosystem where both thrive. The fish waste provides natural fertilizer for the plants, which in turn filter and clean the water for the fish. Students get to observe this amazing cycle firsthand as they learn about biology, chemistry, and environmental science. The lab teaches valuable lessons in sustainable agriculture, responsible resource management, and the fascinating connections within an ecosystem. It's a place where our students don't just read about science; they actively participate in it, growing fresh produce and caring for living creatures right here on campus.

plants growing in the aquaponics lab

fish growing in the aquaponics lab

students working with fish in the aquaponics lab

High Tunnel

Vegetables growing in the high tunnel

High Tunnel

Our school's high tunnel is an incredible tool that allows our students to explore the world of agriculture and sustainable food production. This simple, unheated greenhouse extends our growing season significantly, meaning we can plant earlier in the spring and harvest later into the fall. It's a hands-on classroom where students learn about everything from soil science and plant biology to the importance of local food systems. The produce we grow helps supply our school's cafeteria, connecting students directly to the source of their food and teaching them valuable lessons about nutrition and healthy eating. It's a truly unique way to cultivate curiosity and grow a deeper understanding of where our food comes from.

Monarch Oasis

sign for the Monarch Oasis

Monarch Oasis

Our school's butterfly garden is more than just a pretty space; it's a living laboratory where students can learn about the fascinating process of metamorphosis. By creating a habitat with native plants, we are providing vital resources for butterflies and other pollinators, helping to support local ecosystems. Students will have the opportunity to observe the entire life cycle of a butterfly firsthand, from caterpillar to chrysalis to adult. Our garden provides a unique, hands-on learning experience that connects classroom lessons to the natural world and helps foster a sense of environmental stewardship in our students.

Picture of the Butterfly Garden

Outdoor Classroom

Solar Panels

Solar Panels

picture of the elementary solar panels

Our school's solar panels are a powerful learning tool and a symbol of our commitment to a sustainable future. These panels are more than just a source of electricity; they provide a hands-on opportunity for students to learn about renewable energy, engineering, and environmental science. By generating our own clean power, we are reducing our carbon footprint and teaching students about the importance of responsible energy consumption. The solar panels serve as a living lesson in how science and technology can address real-world challenges, inspiring our students to become innovators and problem-solvers for the next generation.