Environmental Services
Join the Council Environmental Services Facebook Group! CLICK HERE!
Thank you for being a part of the effort to expand environmental awareness and activism in Richardson ISD! Below are some resources to help you serve your school community.
Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child
The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child, or WSCC model, is the CDC's framework for addressing health in schools. The WSCC model is student-centered and emphasizes the role of the community in supporting the school, the connections between health and academic achievement and the importance of evidence-based school policies and practices. Visit the CDC website to learn about the 10 components of the WSCC model.
National PTA Resources
Since its founding, National PTA has worked to secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth. Over the years, National PTA has recognized the growing importance of environmental issues and the impact they have on the health and welfare of children and their families. PTA members have a responsibility to promote environmental health and safety, and to help protect our world’s finite natural resources.
National PTA recognizes the scientific consensus surrounding climate change and the impact of human activities. Children represent a particularly vulnerable group already suffering disproportionately from both direct and indirect adverse health effects of anthropogenic global warming.
Read the full National PTA Position Statement on Environmental Health, Remediation, Sustainability and Climate Change
Texas PTA Resources
A Texas PTA partner organization that provides free volunteer support, training and guidance for environmental education and programs. Download the Planning Guide to get started.
Sign-up page for Texas PTA environmental updates
Register to receive sustainability news and announcements
Additional PTA Resources
A K-8 program that provides action “coupons” to help kids participate in reducing carbon footprint and tracking their success
Complete repository of environmental info from the City of Dallas, plus regular blog updates
A national award program recognizing environmental excellence in schools
Resources, programs and awards focused on litter prevention, community beautification and waste reduction. Keep an eye out for the Don’t Mess with Texas school art contest in January!
Environmental education curriculum, resources and links
Tips for avoiding wasteful habits and making small changes to conserve water
App for making campus recycling signs
Texas-focused conservation and pollution prevention tips, plus games and resources for kids
Join students, families, school leaders, community partners and mayors around the country on October 4 to celebrate the benefits of walking to school during International Walk to School Day.
Pointers for packing waste-free lunches for kids
For more information, or if you have suggestions for resources to share on this page, please contact the RISD Council Environmental Services Chair.
Environmental/Garden/Beautification Chair(s) or PTA Presidents, check out these upcoming events open to the public:
Garden Sign Making Event
Saturday, November 13 from 9:00-11:00 at Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet School
GARDENING RELATED EVENTS
Garden Sign Making Event
Saturday, November 13 from 9:00-11:00 at Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet School
These events are open to the public and are a great opportunity for garden educators and supporters to network all while learning different activities that they can then take back to their own schools to do independently. If you have any questions about either of these events, please reach out to Dawn Cleaves 
Other upcoming events
November 15 – National Recycling Day
November 17 – National Hiking Day
November 19 – National Camp Day
November 30 - Giving Tuesday
December 14 – National Energy Conservation Day
Helpful gardening tips from Dawn Cleaves, RISD Title One Garden Coordinator
Cold weather is coming. If you have green beans, cover them when night temperatures are going to be below 50. They are a warm season crop. That will help them hold on a little longer and hopefully get some more harvest. Here’s a video about covering the garden in the cold. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv7BzetOgzU
Everyone will get a few daffodil bulbs. We plant a few each year. They should naturalize and then come back every year with no care. The flower is one of the earlier flowers of the spring and fun to dissect. Planting Daffodils https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08Jhbit-OHE
Upcoming Events
- Monday, December 13
- Tuesday, December 14
- Wednesday, December 15
- Thursday, December 16
- Friday, December 17
Texas Two Step
Thank you for serving as a member of your 2021-2022 Local PTA Executive Board! Every local Officer and Chair must register with the Texas PTA so that they can communicate with you on important updates throughout the coming year.
