Cypress School District has been recognized by the California Department of Education with the California Green Ribbon Schools award for its excellence in resource efficiency and environmental education. Awards are based on demonstrated progress towards reaching the goals of reduced environmental impact and effective environmental education that incorporates STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) instruction, civic skills, and green career pathways.

 

Cypress teachers develop environmental literacy among students through a variety of school programs and hands-on learning experiences that include recycling, gardening, and composting. Working with parents and community, staff is committed to empowering and educating responsible 21st-century learners who will become tomorrow's engineers and policy leaders.

 

In addition to excellence in environmental education, school facility features such as centrally controlled heating and cooling, motion sensor lighting, automatic toilets, and low flow faucets also contributed to the district's award. These energy efficiency upgrades were all made possible through Cypress community support for Measure M in 2008.

 

Green Ribbon schools and districts are recognized by the California Department of Education at three levels: gold, silver, and bronze. Cypress School District was awarded a Green Ribbon at the bronze level and was one of only five school districts recognized statewide and the only school district in Orange County to receive this notable honor.

 

Superintendent Anne Silavs said, "We are extremely proud to receive this important state accolade. As 'tenants in common' on planet Earth, we must be responsible stewards of the environment, preserving it for generations to come. Our teachers and staff endeavor to impart the significance of this obligation to our students throughout the district."