Proposal for Sustainable Practices in PreK

As a community that values the future of our students we are calling on Fairfax County
Public Schools to create an environmental policy that will produce language surrounding
sustainable practices and provide the foundation for more environmentally sustaining practices
within our school system.

We at Fairfax County Public Schools often serve as a model for other districts and are
dedicated to enriching our students through Portrait of a Graduate character traits. Many of these
qualities, which include global understanding and a problem-solving mindset, are focused on the
future success of our students. Without acknowledging our current impact on the environment, we
are intentionally setting up our students for uncertain futures.

As we are aware, global temperatures are reaching unprecedented levels. With various
types of pollution increasing, unsustainable waste amounts being generated, and mass global
markets pushing for more than we need, the environment is shifting in ways that can be detrimental
to future generations, many of which might be in our school buildings today. It is our responsibility
to center practices and education that will educate students on best practices. As adults, we need
to set an example for our students and adapt policies and practices that puts us all on the road to
sustainability and ultimately, success.

Below are some specific measure that FCPS needs to take in order to begin this work. We
hope that these measure will not only impact our prekindergarten classrooms, but will create a
functional system throughout FCPS.

Policy:

• Fairfax County Public Schools needs to implement a policy that outlines their
vision and goals surrounding sustainable practices. This includes addressing waste
management and recycling within schools and classrooms, future goals of the
county in regards to energy efficiency and more. Teachers in schools need to have
clear standards as to how to act sustainably and a policy will set the foundation for
this type of understanding. A policy will ultimately support PreK and all other
FCPS classrooms in understanding the concept of sustainability and provide some
guidance on how to participate.

• We recognize the efforts of Get2Green and believe their resources should be

mandatory throughout schools and shared more consistently.

Education: Professional Development Around Sustainability Within Fairfax County Public

Schools.

• All staff in FCPS should be provided with an in-school training during their
orientation (and follow-up trainings throughout the year) where the staff is shown
how to recycle step by step, where designated recycling bins look like/are located,
and additional resources. Explicitly demonstrating sustainable practices will
resolve some misconceptions and center the importance of these habits.
 Proposal for Sustainable Practices in PreK
Tools: Additional Resources

• More resources need to be made available for staff to learn about recycling. This
includes, but is not limited to: optional trainings, e-courses, tangible materials
(recycling bins in each classroom and around the school), and Get2Green’s work
centered within our district. With more education and materials readily available,
it is more likely for staff to participate in sustainable practices.