The Green Blog Network: Environmental Charter School Opens Doors In Los Angeles

Environmental Charter Schools (www.echsonline.org) celebrates the grand opening ofthe Environmental Charter Middle School (ECMS) with speeches by environmental experts Rachel Gutter, Tom Feegel, educational expert Alison Suffet-Diaz and ECMS Principal Kami Cotler.

When: Friday, September 10, 2010

Program begins at 8:15am

Moderator: Sarah Backhouse (Host from Planet Green, Discovery Network),

Speakers Rachel Gutter (Director of the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council), Tom Feegel (co-Author of Green My Parents), Alison Suffet-Diaz (Founder and Executive Director, Environmental Charter Schools) and Kami Cotler (Environmental Charter Middle School Principal).

Rachel Gutter is widely recognized as one of the nation's foremost experts on the topic of green schools. She oversees the U.S. Green Building Council's National Green Schools Campaign, the LEED for Green Schools Green Building Rating System and is responsible for initiating many programs at the USGBC.

Alison Diaz, Founder of Environmental Charter High School, and Executive Director of Environmental Charter Schools; is responsible for driving strategic development, as well as fundraising, fiscal and capital budgeting and planning, and oversight of administrative operations.

Environmental Charter Middle School Principal Kami Cotler will oversee the implementation of the Environmental Charter Schools curriculum and manage the day to day school activities.

ECMS will be presented with the Assembly Certificate of Recognition by a representative from the office of Assembly member Steven Bradford. Field Representative April Lawrence will present the school with a certificate on behalf of Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

ECMS opens its doors to 120- 6^th grade students for the 2010 - 2011 school year; Enrollment is open to all students regardless of district boundaries. The school offers students a small, caring school environment, 25-30 children per classroom, which supports students' transition from elementary school and prepares them for high school success. The educational program is designed to help students develop the academic skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to succeed in a college preparatory high school and to be effective stewards of their community. The middle school will extend learning beyond the classroom doors encouraging students to take action to solve local community issues and make measurable improvements in their environment.

The opening of ECMS signifies a watershed moment in urban Environmental Education. The school will deliver the same type of award-winning curriculum as Environmental Charter High School, curriculum that has been recognized by the Obama White House and which has been featured on PBS television.

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