[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 20, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING CAMELOT ELEMENTARY FOR BEING NAMED A GREEN RIBBON SCHOOL

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                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 20, 2012

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Camelot 
Elementary School, in Auburn, Washington, for being named a Green 
Ribbon School. This honor, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, 
is given to schools participating in activities to promote and 
encourage a healthy and environmentally sustainable learning 
environment.
  Students and staff at Camelot Elementary have taken a wide variety of 
steps toward reducing energy consumption. Since 2007, the school has 
reduced energy usage by 50 percent. They replaced light bulbs, removed 
personal appliances, and placed reminders on light switches and 
computers. Teachers and students use green checklists in every 
classroom to remind each other about ways to decrease energy 
consumption and waste.
  To address the threatened salmon population in Washington State, 
students raised salmon in classrooms to release into local streams. 
Students also published a newspaper with information and resources 
about conservation. To decrease the use of plastic bottles, the school 
organized a fundraiser for reusable water bottles.
  In addition to becoming good stewards of the Earth, staff, students, 
and parents are taking steps to improve health and nutrition. The 
school raised money from the community to build a community garden on 
the school grounds and the school follows the United States Department 
of Agriculture standards to make sure students have balanced meals. 
Nearly 60 percent of the student body walks or bikes to school. On the 
weekends, the school and the Parent-Teacher Association send backpacks 
filled with healthy foods home with disadvantaged students.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate the 
students, staff, and parents from Camelot Elementary. The steps they 
are taking to reduce energy consumption, improve nutrition, and protect 
our environment and resources will continue to benefit our community 
for many years to come. I hope many other schools follow Camelot 
Elementary's example.

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