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Green Ribbon Schools Honoree

The Williamsville Central School District is proud to be honored and recognized as a 2025-2026 Green Ribbon Schools Honoree by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).  The District was selected for “its various initiatives in student education, health, and wellness programs.”

The District’s process began with a Goal Activity in the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan as part of Goal Area #2, “Wellness, Community, and Sustainability.”  A committee was established in 2023 with its work focused on three pillars:

  • Reduce environmental impact and costs, including waste, water, energy use and alternative transportation;
  • Improve the health and wellness of students and staff, covering environmental health and nutrition and fitness; and
  • Provide effective environmental and sustainability education, requiring robust environmental education that engages STEM, civic skills and green career pathways.

“We are excited to be recognized as a Green Ribbon School by the New York State Education Department,” said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Darren Brown-Hall. “We look forward to expanding this work across the District.”

Schools throughout the District focused on community wellness through Social Justice clubs and sustainability through Environmental and Recycling clubs.  In District elementary schools, for example, environmentally focused curriculum was infused within Science and STEAM programs, ensuring that students are exposed to sustainability concepts and environmental awareness. 

“It has been a rewarding journey to earn the Green Ribbon School designation,” said Dr. William Bohen, who helped lead the initiative as Principal of Maple East Elementary School. “Whether at the elementary, middle, or high school level, we want to prepare our students to be positive agents of impact and change. They truly understand the importance of wellness, community, and sustainability.”

The District promotes wellness and environmental stewardship through Wellness Days, Fun Runs, and Farm to School Programs.  These focus on physical health, mental health, and wellness.  Students are also engaged and introduced to wellness, sustainability projects, and green career paths through guest speakers and field trips.

Four young people are gathered around a table in front of a green chalkboard, engaged in an activity.

Caroline M. and Lucy A. teach a lesson on fracking with Chips Ahoy to students at Maple East Elementary School.

In the foreground, a group of young students huddle around a clear container with a flashlight, while in the background, other students are seated at tables in a classroom.

Hareem N. teaches a lesson on forest fires at Maple East Elementary School.

A student presents a paper with images to two girls in blue tie-dye shirts, with a classroom setting in the background.

Talia F. provides students with information on bird migration and collisions at Maple East Elementary School.

The Green Ribbon Committee at Maple East Elementary School.

A group of eleven people that are part of the Green Ribbon Committee at Maple East pose for a photo in front of a large blue %22M%22 with a lion mascot and paw prints on a light-colored wall.