Nine Kent School District schools were among the 77 schools in 12 districts that earned recognition this spring for their successful conservation efforts from the King County Green Schools Program.

“Each school involved its whole school community – students, teachers and administrators – in reducing garbage, increasing recycling and improving other conservation practices,” said Dale Alekel, Green Schools Program manager, in a Monday county media release.

The program began in 2002-03 with three schools in the county. In 2009-10, 100 schools participated, and in 2010-11, eight school districts and 121 schools received assistance. The program has three levels, each of which engages students and staff in learning about sustainability and conserving natural resources.

Twenty-six schools completed Level One of the program by initiating or improving recycling programs and focusing on waste reduction strategies such as decreasing paper use.

The Kent schools at Level One were Crestwood Elementary School, Emerald Park Elementary School, Meridian Elementary School, Pine Tree Elementary School and Soos Creek Elementary School.

Another 27 schools completed Level Two by engaging in energy conservation practices such as turning off lights in unoccupied rooms.

Kent-Meridian High School and Springbrook Elementary School reached Level Two.

Twenty-four schools completed Level Three by learning about and engaging in water conservation practices.

The Kent schools at Level Three were Lake Youngs Elementary School and Martin Sortun Elementary School.

Eleven of King County’s 18 school districts have participated or are now participating in the program.

The award-winning King County Green Schools Program provides hands-on assistance, recycling containers and stickers, and the support schools need to engage students and staff in conservation activities. Simple steps, such as recycling and setting aside food scraps for collection, add up to big benefits.

Alekel said many participating schools and districts report cuts in operating expenses after maintaining successful waste reduction and recycling programs and reducing energy and water use.

In addition to providing schools with the hands-on help they need, the program offers a website, www.kingcounty.gov/GreenSchools, with helpful tools and resources.

King County also provides an elementary school assembly program, classroom workshops and support for student green teams. Schools and school districts interested in the Green Schools Program may contact Alekel at dale.alekel@kingcounty.gov.