Certification Toolkit

 

Certification Toolkit, 2009/10 - Download (6132K 10/5/2009)*  

The Certification Toolkit brings together in one place all of the "tools" that schools require to help them access the services, materials, and equipment needed to become a certified EcoSchool. Download the enitire guide or browse through the list of individual tools shown below.

The toolkit is meant to be the companion to the Certification Guide and Planner.

The tools are organized into six sections:  1. Foster Leadership and Teamwork, 2.1 Reduce Environmental Impact: Energy Conservation, 2.2 Reduce Environmental Impact: Vibrant School Grounds, 2.3 Reduce Environmental Impact: Waste Minimization, 3. Improve Student Achievement through Ecological Literacy, 4. Contribute to Health and Caring School Communities  

* Note: A higer resolution version of the Toolkit is available by emailing richard.christie@tdsb.on.ca

Order Form

Resources to support your EcoSchools program. Click here (35K 10/3/2009)

1.0 Foster Leadership and Teamwork

  • Leadership and Teamwork EcoReview - A series of questions to help schools assess their current level of achievement. (This list is identical to the questions in the online certification application). Click here (312K 10/3/2009)
  • Establishing the EcoTeam - A mind map to help team leaders brainstorm who to involve to build a solid EcoTeam. Click here (96K 10/3/2009)
  • Building the Team--Survey Questionnaire - Survey to generate interest in the EcoTeam and help secondary students evaluate strengths aand judges interests of potential members. Click here (31K 10/3/2009)
  • Team-Building Activity - Tropical Island Climate Change Dramatization - A vivid dramatization putting participants on a tropical island being engulfed by rising sea levels caused by climate change. Click here (57K 10/31/2008)
  • Team-Building Activity - Polar Bears and Ice Floes - Participants become polar bears under pressure as they adapt to shrinking ice floes as they hunt for food. Click here (42K 10/31/2008)
  • Getting Organized--Student Tips - Ideas from EcoTeams for specific actions to optimize time spent in meetings and ways to reach out to the whole school with key messages. Click here (31K 10/3/2009)
  • Getting Organized: Roles, Responsibilities, and Committees - A list of executive members for an effective EcoTeam with suggested responsibilities for each role. Click here (84K 10/3/2009)
  • EcoSchools Student Action Plan - A template to clarify goals and how to plan to achieve them. Click here (52K 10/3/2009)
  • Building Team Momentum - Ideas from EcoSchools staff and secondary EcoTeams for getting and keeping people's interest in environmental actions. Click here (30K 10/3/2009)
  • Making Descisions - Distinctions made among reaching consensus, voting, and one-party rule worth keeping in mind for running effective meetings. Click here (12K 10/3/2009)
  • Agenda for an EcoTeam Meeting - Template to guide people's thinking in planning for meetings that focus attention and achieve results. Click here (31K 10/3/2009)
  • Designing a Campaign - Six steps present an overview of the entire campaign planning process and key questions to focus thinking. Click here (41K 10/3/2009)
  • EcoTeam Timeline: Planning for Campaign Implementation - 11"x17" year-long planning sheet for plotting campaign details with the whole school in mind. Companion to "Designing a Campaigh" above. Order using the Order Form tool (see above). Click here (82K 10/3/2009)
  • Action Plan Checklist for Public Viewing of an Environmental Film - A four-part checklist to guide preparation for and execution of an environmental film showing. Click here (61K 10/3/2009)
  • Event Day Guidelines for Public Viewing of an Environmental Film - A sample schedule for an environmental film showing. Click here (16K 10/3/2009)
  • Student Action Plan - A template to clarify goals and plan how to achieve them. Click here (52K 10/3/2009)
  • Action Plan: School Environmental Improvement Plan Template - A planner for environmental actions based on the standard School Improvement Plan template. Click here (67K 10/3/2009)
  • Copy Paper - Outlines the difference between 2 copy paper stocks (100% and FSC-certified) available forn the Board's Distribution Centre and how to order each. Click here (79K 10/3/2009)
  • Paper Calculator - Offers a quick way to determine how much you need to reduce your paper consumption to switch to 100% recycled paper while staying within budget. Click here

2.1 Reduce Your School's Environmental Impact: Energy Conservation

  • Energy Conservation EcoReview - A series of questions to help schools assess their current level of achievement. (This list is identical to the questions in the online certification application). Click here (345K 10/3/2009) 
  • Refrigerators - Ordering information for the best environmental and economic choice of refrigerator. Click here (64K 10/3/2009)
  • Dishwashers - Ordering information for the best environmental and economic choice of dishwasher. Click here (43K 10/3/2009)
  • Clothes Washers - Ordering information for the best environmental and economic choice of clothes washer. Click here (9K 10/3/2009)
  • Delamp your School - Request form to have the school "de-lamped," assessing areas overlit by too many fluorescent bulbs or "lamps" and removing them. Click here (17K 10/3/2009)
  • CFL Replacement Program - Request form to have the school assessed for number of compact fluorescent bulbs needed to replace incandescent bulbs. Free Bulbs. Click here (91K 10/3/2009)
  • CFL Light Bulbs: Caretaking Supplies - Lists the complete range of flourescent light bulbs with ordering information and current prices (Sept. 09) available from the Distribution Centre. Click here (12K 10/3/2009)

2.2 Reduce Your School's Environmental Impact: Vibrant School Grounds

  • Vibrant School Grounds EcoReview - A series of questions to help schools assess their current level of achievement. (This list is identical to the questions in the online certification application.) Click here (220K 10/3/2009)
  • Road Map: An Overview of the School Ground Greening Process - Greening project skeleton checklist that takes schools through the basic steps from getting started to maintenance and evaluation. New this year are suggestions for meaningful student involvement. Click here (18K 10/3/2009)
  • Window of School Ground Wishes - Graphic that invites elementary students to draw a picture of "the best school ground ever." Click here (13K 10/3/2009)
  • Student Survey: School Grounds (elementary) - Allows students a means to thoughtfully voice their own ideas about how they use the school ground and what they feel about it. Click here (13K 10/3/2009)
  • Student Survey: School Grounds (secondary) - A tool for a greening club or EcoTeam to generate interest in, and learn others' ideas about, what they like and don't like in their school ground, and what they'd change or add.  Click here (12K 10/3/2009)
  • Sample Letter to Announce Your Project - Suggestions about the basic information that should be included in a sample letter announcing the school's greening project to the community. Click here (85K 10/3/2009)
  • Helpful How-to Guides and Other Resources - Guides to provide greater depth, whether it's getting started, planning and design, funding, or recommended tree and shrub species. Click here (101K 10/3/2009)
  • Board Support for School Ground Greening - Information about kinds of support available for greening projects, an outline of work that must be done by Board staff, and information about trees and tree replacement. Click here (19K 10/3/2009)
  • Design Consultation and Board Approvals Process - Consultation and approvals process information to help schools make the most of the Board's professional horticulture and landscape architect expertise. Click here (17K 10/3/2009)
  • Request for Design Consultation - Click here (14K 10/3/2009)
  • Guidelines for Tree Planting Projects - A concise 2-page summary of important distinctions between small and large tree planting processes; where to locate native species' lists and prices; minimum tree size; importance of choosing tree locations for maximum benefits; and tree care. Click here (127K 10/3/2009)
  • Fundraising Tips For Writing Applications and Proposals - Expert advice on how to write a grant application that will succeed. Click here (22K 10/3/2009)
  • Sample Budget: Native Plants and Other Resources and Supplies - Specific examples of the kinds of materials, in addition to plants, that should be in the greening project's budget. Click here (21K 10/3/2009)
  • Preparing for Planting Day - A checklist to remind schools of the many things to attend to in advance of planting trees. Click here (124K 10/3/2009)
  • Planting Day Tips--Small Trees - Suggestions for a successful planting day, including tools needed, and managing private suppliers. Click here (121K 10/3/2009)
  • Mulch is Magic: Spread It! - A clear list of why to mulch, how to mulch, and what to order. Click here (159K 10/3/2009)
  • The Bucket Watering Method for Watering Trees in a Grove - Step-by-step instructions for following this ingenious method for watering that allows you to know that you have given trees sufficient water. Click here (143K 10/3/2009)

2.3 Reduce your School's Environmental Impact: Waste Minimization

  • Waste Minimization EcoReview - A series of questions to help schools assess their current level of achievement. (This list is identical to the questions in the online certification application.) Click here (313K 10/3/2009)
  • The Waste Audit How-To Tip Sheet - A revised (2009) bare-bones tip sheet to help schools become supremely well-organized to do a simple audit to meet Ontario Ministry of the Environment requirements. Click here (57K 10/3/2009)
  • Waste Audit Worksheet - A workseet to record the results of the school waste audit and develop Ministry of Environment-required Waste Reduction Work Plan. Click here (76K 10/3/2009)
  • Waste Reduction Work Plan - A template to record targets for reducing waste and plan how to achieve those targets. To be posted in the school annually. Click here (68K 10/3/2009)
  • What Can You Recycle - Expanded list of recyclable products adapted for schools based on the City of Toronto guidelines, plus a helpful list of what you can't recycle. Click here (159K 10/3/2009)
  • Promotional Material to Support Your Recycling Program - "We recycle" posters and labels in English and French plus a poster with tips for savings at the photocopier. Click here (732K 10/3/2009)
  • Recycling Boxes and Lids for Classrooms and Offices - Ordering information for different sizes of recycling boxes and snap-on lid. 50% subsidy from EcoSchools. Click here (58K 10/3/2009)
  • Lunchroom Recycling Barrels - Larger recycling unit to help schools better manage waste in cafeterias and lunchrooms. 50% EcoSchools subsidy. Click here (134K 10/3/2009)
  • Recycling Toters for Schools and Centres - 95 gallon toters for collecting recyclables from classroom and office recycling boxes. Ordered by caretaking staff. Click here (97K 10/3/2009)
  • Printer Cartridge Recycling - Information and registration form for schools to participate in the Board approved KO-REC-TYPE printer cartridge recycling program. Click here (396K 10/3/2009)
  • 5 Reasons to Recycle Your Used Printer Cartridges - Click here (68K 10/3/2009)
  • Photocopier Toner Bottles Recycling - Information about how to recycle the school's toner bottles obtained from Ricoh Canada. Click here (12K 10/3/2009)
  • Duplicator Ink (Riso) Cartridge Recycling - Information about how to recycle ink cartridges from the school's RISO duplicating machine. Click here (14K 10/3/2009)
  • Waste-free Lunches and Recipe for a Waste-free Lunch - Suggestions for running a waste-free lunch event, and a "recipe" for a waste-free lunch that students can give to their parents or guardians. Click here (336K 10/3/2009)
  • Obsolete or Surplus Text and Library Books - Information about options for reuse of surplus texts and library books, and how to recycle them when they are obsolete. Click here (111K 10/3/2009)
  • Obsolete or Surplus Computers and Other Electronic Equipment - Information about how to dispose of obsolete or surplus computers and other electronic equipment. Request form attached. Click here (137K 10/3/2009)
  • Used Appliances and Scrap Metal - Clear description of the options for disposing of used appliances and scrap metal. Click here (16K 10/3/2009)
  • Surplus and Old Furniture - Clear description of how to offer your surplus and old furniture for reuse. Or how to recycle it. Click here (73K 10/3/2009)
  • Battery Recycling -   Click here (110K 10/3/2009)
  • Request for the Disposal of Chemicals & Hazardous Waste - Request form asking TDSB's Occupational Health and Safety department to collect hazardous waste. Waste eligible for pick-up is listed. Click here (90K 10/3/2009)
  • Waste Vegetable Oil - A new program to recycle waste cooking oil. Directions for pick-up included. Click here (63K 10/3/2009)
  • The Electronic Trading Post - Information about the official online site for schools to advertise and/or sell usable furniture, equipment, and textbooks. Click here (74K 10/3/2009)
  • ArtsJunktion - Information about how to access the TDSB depot for receiving and distributing donated materials for use in educational programs. List of materials included. Click here (206K 10/3/2009)
  • Locker Clean-Out - Provides a list of key questions to help you organize an efficient and effective way to practice reusing and recycling at the end of term.  Click here (16K 10/3/2009)

3. Improve Student Achievement through Ecological Literacy.

  • Ecological Literacy EcoReview - A series of questions to help schools assess their current level of achievement. (The list is identical to the questions in the online certification application). Click here (349K 10/3/2009)
  • "Education in" the Environment School Plan and Planning Template - Click here (764K 10/13/2009)
  • Fundamentals: "How Nature Works" -Offers Dr. Art Sussman's elegantly simple summary of the 3 main systems interactions within nature.  Click here (57K 10/3/2009)
  • Education in the Environment: Interpretive Hikes - Instructions for conducting 5 different curriculum-linked interpretive hikes. Click here (17K 10/3/2009)
  • Education in the Outdoor Classroom: Learning Trails - 26 themes that can focus outdoor learning explorations in 6 different subject areas. Repeat visits throughout the seasons can help city dwellers learn to see more vividly the natural environment around them.  Click here (21K 10/3/2009)
  • Create a Tree Tour in Google Maps - List of 8 steps to locate a map of your school and prepare for mapping the school ground's trees.  Click here (519K 10/3/2009)
  • A Day with Trees: GRASP Lesson Planning across the Grades - Lessons that name Goals, Roles, Scenarios, and Products, all revolving around tree tours and tree maintenance are described for Grades 7, 10 and 12 students, with Grades 2 and 4 students as Audience for Grade 6-7 students' products or performances. Click here (264K 10/3/2009)
  • Local Environmental Programs beyond the TDSB to Broaden Ecological Literacy - A list of 12 organizations that provide a variety of programs across the grades to enhance students' experience and knowledge of the environment. Click here (20K 10/3/2009). Marketplace Vendors: A list of local organization participating in EcoSchools PD at UofT September 2-3, 2009 - Click here (22K 10/13/2009)
  • GRASP: Developing Ecological Literacy through Rich Performance Tasks - Description of a TDSB teaching tool that puts students in a role to challenge them to assess a situation, solve problems and take action to reduce environmental impact. Example given is to study how a family bakery business can "go green". Includes 1-page GRASP template to aid teacher planning and reflective learning log--excellent summaries for Portfolio Binder.  Click here (90K 10/3/2009)
  • Summary of GRASP Rich Performance Task - Click here (15K 10/3/2009)
  • Reflective Learning Log - Click here (9K 10/3/2009)
  • Scenario Mapping - A systems-thinking tool to help students uncover how an everyday activity depends on resources from the Earth and energy from the Sun. Includes a sample map of operating a bakery.  Click here (51K 10/3/2009)
  • Dependency Webs - A systems-thinking tool that puts the students plus a resource, product, or system at the centre of the map to trace back a web of dependencies that support our daily lives. Includes samples. Click here (83K 10/3/2009)
  • Consequence Mapping - A systems-thinking tool to help students imagine the future. Includes sample consequence map of DDT spraying; guiding questions for 6 dimensions of futures mapping; UNESCO 1-pager on 5 commonly-held visions of the future. Click here (113K 10/3/2009)
  • Concept mapping - A systems-thinking tool that helps students think in terms of the interrelationships among a main concept and subconcepts that mirror the complexity of connections in their own lives. Sample map included. Click here (60K 10/3/2009)
  • Big Ecological Ideas by Grade (1-8) - TDSB guides on waste and energy extract the "big ideas" that underlie science and social studies curriculum expectations (1-8). Updated by Ontario EcoSchools to reflect revised curricula. PDF's available for download. Click here (22K 10/3/2009)
  • Education for the Environment: Are You an Environmental Citizen? - Questionnaire to allow students to self-assess how "green" their lifestyle is. Click here (100K 10/3/2009)
  • Keep the Heat In - Chart to monitor classrooms closing blinds and curtains at day's end. Click here (64K 10/10/2008)
  • Let the Sunlight In - Chart to monitor opening window coverings and turning off lights when possible to conserve energy. Click here (77K 10/10/2008)
  • Save our Resources - Chart to monitor how well the recycling boxes are being used in classrooms and other locations in the school. Click here (74K 10/10/2008)
  • Your School's Energy Consumption Data: How to find it on the TDSBWeb - Click here (88K 10/3/2009)
  • Writing Letters - Click here (14K 10/3/2009)

4. Contribute to Healthy and Caring School Communities

  • Healthy and Caring School Communities EcoReview - A series of questions to help schools assess their current level of achievement. (This list is identical to the questions in the online certification application.) Click here (308K 10/3/2009)
  • Cleaners (ordered by caretaking staff) - Ordering information for caretakers about "green" cleaners. Click here (74K 10/3/2009)
  • Sustainable Transportation - A list of resources to support schools that make sustainable transportation one of their goals. Click here (22K 10/3/2009)
  • Shade and Energy Conservation - Questionnaire to assess where trees are needed to shade students and conserve energy. Parent/guardian version supplied here. Questionnaire for principal, teachers, caretaker, students can be found in EcoSchools School Ground Greening: Designing for Shade and Energy Conservation pages 38-43. Click here (23K 10/3/2009)
  • EcoReview Site Assessment for Shade and Energy Conservation - Template listing different areas of the school ground to be assessed for adequacy of tree cover for shade and energy conservation. Click here (29K 10/3/2009)
  • Build Community: Sample Letter to Announce Your Shade Project - Suggestions about what to include in a letter to the community about the school's shade project. Click here (143K 10/3/2009)
  • Build Community: Volunteer Opportunities - A helpful, comprehensive list of the kind of volunteer opportunities that arise when working on a school greening project. Click here (15K 10/3/2009)
  • School Ground Summer Maintenance Tips - Expert advice for keeping your planting healthy through the summer months. Click here (16K 10/3/2009)
  • Watering Schedule Sign-up Sheet - Basic tree watering instructions and a template for spring and summer schedules. Click here (28K 10/3/2009)
  • The Bucket Watering Method for Trees in a Grove - Description of why and how this method works so well for trees planted close together. Click here (143K 10/3/2009)
  • Seasonal Stewardship Plan - Click here (35K 10/3/2009)
  • Community Clean-up/20-Minute Toronto Makeover - Information about how to register online to participate in a community clean-up. Click here (119K 10/3/2009)
  • Build Community through an Environmental Educational Event - An introduction to the TDSB's Celebrating Ecoschools: Festival Ideas (Elementary). Provides several environmental acitivities that can involve the whole community. Click here (18K 10/3/2009)

Order Form

Resources to support your EcoSchools program.  Click here (35K 10/3/2009)