Bates Area Civic Association

Since 1970, Earth Day has been a day on which people come together across the world to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It is now celebrated all week long in more than 192 countries. At Mundo Verde, Earth Day has also provided opportunities to celebrate poignant moments in our year round journey to become a more sustainable school.

Two years ago on Earth Day 2013, Mundo Verde was designated a US Department of Education Green Ribbon School, and our community welcomed Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to announce other competitively selected school awardees from across the country.

One year ago, on Earth Day 2014, we bused all of our staff and our whole student body -then only 270 students- to be a part of the groundbreaking for our soon-to-be permanent home.
We planted a chokeberry bush in a small existing cement planter- the only non-asphalt outdoor surface on the property to celebrate and launch the greening of the historically significant J.F. Cook School building and grounds.

In one short year, we have transformed the abandoned building into a once again vibrant school. Classrooms, hallways and virtually every nook and cranny of the building have been reclaimed and are alive with the energy, curiosity, and wonder of over 400 students.

Today, we are excited to further realize our namesake: Mundo Verde. We start this spring by greening and transforming the paved school grounds with vegetation, trees and edible plants; outdoor classrooms, unique sustainability features, and play spaces. In observance of this week’s Earth Day celebrations, we launch a series of events to profile our sustainability mission and support the remaining construction of our permanent sustainable home.

We invite you to help green the world around us by supporting Mundo Verde’s sustainability mission and bringing alive our new campus as living green demonstration site. To date, we have proudly secured over $14 million for the construction of our campus in part through grants and donations from generous supporters and Mundo Verde families. We are working to attain 100% participation of families and hope that friends like you join us in reaching our final $1 million needed for our project.

Join us in our spring sustainability campaign between now and June 5th, World Environment Day: Give now to our fundraising campaign, participate in any of our scheduled spring events, and help us engage others in giving or participating. Your support today will ensure over students’ increase their academic development; connect their learning to rigorous scientific and sustainability concepts and methods; and improve their health, wellness, and character development. Together, we can transform our world.

Thank you!

Kristin Scotchmer
Executive Director