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Thomas Prince Green Team Receives State Education Award

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PRINCETON — On May 6, Princeton PTA Green Team parent volunteers and students from Thomas Prince School traveled to the Massachusetts State House to receive an Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education Award. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs annually collaborates with the Secretary's Advisory Group on Energy and Environmental Education and the Massachusetts Environmental Trust to award and recognize schools and teachers (K-12 ) across the Commonwealth for their outstanding efforts in furthering energy and environmental education initiatives at their schools. The Thomas Prince School Princeton PTA Green Team was awarded top honors and a $400 award, as well as certificates of recognition from State Sen. Harriette Chandler and State Rep. Kimberly Ferguson. The award recognizes the efforts of Green Team volunteers, along with students in grades K-8 and teachers. Such efforts include: coordination and maintenance of an organic vegetable and herb garden, from which students enjoy two harvest celebrations each year; an annual daylong celebration of Earth Day with grounds cleanup efforts, nature hikes, environmental education and garden plantings; a TerraCycle fundraising initiative that literally turns trash to cash; and a student green team that engages in monthly hands-on activities encouraging environmental awareness. These efforts and more reinforce Thomas Prince School's dedication to hands-on learning under the school's STEAM initiative. Applauding the efforts of the Green Team, Thomas Prince School Principal, Mary Cringan, said: "We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated group of parents and staff that are committed to environmental education. The PTA Green Team under the leadership of Corey Burnham-Howard and Christine Rainville, work so hard to instill the importance of our mission at TPS. The entire community of Thomas Prince is grateful for their commitment." "This award recognizes the efforts of a team of dedicated parents, enthusiastic students and staff, and a supportive administration," said Christine Rainville, Princeton PTA Green Team co-chair. "But while we are thrilled to receive this recognition, the real satisfaction comes in knowing the Green Team is making a positive impact on the Thomas Prince School community."