School Connections is a Green Newton group created in September 2017.

We are a forum for parents, students, educators –  with representatives from 11 Newton schools – and the broader Newton community interested in promoting sustainability in the classrooms and beyond. The group offers a setting for sharing experiences and ideas, as well as support in facing challenges in implementing green initiatives at their schools and in the broader Newton public school system.

Some of our initiatives include:

• Partnering with NPS in the School Sustainability Working Group (SSWG)
• Sharing of past and current sustainability efforts at individual schools
• Helping schools to set up Green Teams
• Developing and sharing recycling signage for schools, in partnership with Newton Sustainable Materials Management division
• Advocating for the hiring of a sustainability coordinator at NPS: a dedicated staff person to plan and implement consistent waste management throughout the school district
• Hosting discussions with stakeholders from the city government and elected officials
• Evaluating the possibility of implementing a Food Recovery Program in Newton school cafeterias
• Supporting renewable energy in schools, including solar panels
• Supporting sustainable and healthy transportation in the district, including: walking, biking and increasing bus ridership; no idling around schools; electric school buses 
• Advocating for Climate Education from K-12

Parents, students, educators, and Newton citizens and friends, all are invited to be part of our group. Just come to one of our meetings or events, or contact us at [email protected] for more information.

Together we are building a more sustainable school community in Newton.

NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE                MEETING MINUTES

About this website

Joana Canedo, Co-Chair of GN School Connections, manages the School Connections website and edits its newsletter. Joana is a Newton North parent. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

Deanna Hoffman is the other Co-Chair of Green Newton School Connections. Deanna is a parent of two children at Burr School as well as an experienced science educator and the founder of Meet Me on Planet 3. She  can also be reached at [email protected].