APS: Natural & Renewable Resources

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

We're all counting down the days to Spring Break (whether or not we get the week off...)

So please, let's consider giving our buildings a break too!

Kindly remind your fellow teachers and staff to turn off lights, promethean boards, computers, and laptops and unplug any personal appliances and electronics when not in use and especially on Fridays!

Last year the week long shut down during Spring Break helped to conserve more than $25,000!

Can we double it this year?!

And I'm excited to announce that there have been a few upsets in the Energy Challenge Competition! Take a peek for yourself on the link below...

For full rules and entry directions, please visit: http://com-cam.org/opportunity/city-of-auroras-anti-litter-design-contest-enter-today/

Winning entries will be showcased on reusable grocery bags that will be handed out to your classmates, local grocery stores and all Aurora residents that attend the May 21 citywide clean-up day.

New! ENTRY DEADLINE: Friday, March 25th

Many educators in our district have gotten on the badging train and are supporting their students to earn credibility by demonstrating 21st Century Skills by earning badges through the Green Star Schools Program. Are you providing avenues for your students to showcase their 21st Century Credentials? Are you interested in learning how it works?

Find out more about the process at badges.aurorak12.org

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Attend the next Digital Badging Collaborative Work Session on Wednesday March 23rd Suite 110 Ed Tech Lab with Amanda McLean

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Jump on the Digital Badging: Virtual Office Hours--Google Hangout with Amanda McLean

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Here's the list of Post Workforce Readiness (PWR) Coordinators supporting the Digital Badging Program for each Community. You can connect with them to learn more about the badging process and help earn badges for your students today!

Community A

Brandon Wright

Pamel Rouche

Community P

Fayette Augillard

Fatimah Ben-Masaud

Community S

Daniel Sandoval

Katie Gianatasio

Community E

Rob Epstein

Katie Gianatasio

Community L

Jenise Rosa

Pamela Rouche

Remember!

In order to earn cash incentives with the Green Star Schools Program, your students and club members will need to earn badges to demonstrate student engagement in the program!

Here's to another week of going green!

Slainte,

Julie

jenorth@aps.k12.co.us

Vista Peak Exploratory students participated in this year's Career Day at the school and were able to connect with many professionals from the Aurora Community and beyond. Many enjoyed hands-on circuitry building thanks to the APS IT Dept for supplying the kits!

Check out these great contacts and organizations for all your school gardening needs!

Not to mention, students will be able to earn badges for gardening efforts and outdoor activities this Spring!

Denver Urban Gardens - for seeds & transplants

Slow Food Denver - Seed to Table Program

The Kitchen Community - APS is forging a new partnership with TKC for 2016-2017

The Urban Farm - at Stapleton

Delany Farm - Aurora - Historic Farm in the heart of Aurora (great place for field trips...)

Dig in Aurora - complete list of all community gardens in Aurora

Community Garden Handbook - chalk full of great resources from the CoA

More resources available on the M&O Energy and Sustainability webpage. Click on the link below!