Certification Toolkit

Cert_toolkit

 

Certification Toolkit, 2012/13 - Download (10370K 9/18/2012)

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 Impact on the Environment: Energy Conservation, 2.2. Reduce Impact on the Environment: Waste Minimization, 3. Care for and Create Vibrant School Grounds, 4. Improve Student Achievement through Ecological Literacy, 5. Contribute to Healthy, Safe 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 to go to Section: 1 Leadership and Teamwork       2.1 Energy Conservation       2.2 Waste Minimization
3 Vibrant Schools Grounds       4 Student Achievement through Ecological Literacy       5 Caring School Communities


1.0 Foster Leadership and Teamwork Top
Tool Description Download
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). download
Portfolio Binder Requirements List of 17 requirements, by program section, that the auditor will expect to see in your binder. download
Team Structure Questions to focus and communicate your team’s description of roles, responsibilities, and how you work together. Excellent visual tool. Three examples. download
Students, Have Your Say! Four questions for students to reflect on their EcoSchools experience and provide advice for next year’s team. Portfolio requirement. Includes submission format ideas. download 
Building the Team-Survey Questionnaire Survey to generate interest in the EcoTeam and help secondary students evaluate strengths and judges interests of potential members. download
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. download
Team-Building Activity - Polar Bears and Ice Flows Participants become polar bears under pressure as they adapt to shrinking ice floes as they hunt for food. download
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. download
Roles and Responsibilities A list of executive members for an effective EcoTeam with suggested responsibilities for each role. download
Building Team Momentum Ideas from EcoSchools staff and secondary EcoTeams for getting and keeping people's interest in environmental actions. download
Making Decisions Distinctions made among reaching consensus, voting, and one-party rule worth keeping in mind for running effective meetings. Click Here
Agenda for an EcoTeam Meeting Template to guide people's thinking in planning for meetings that focus attention and achieve results. Click Here
Designing a Campaign Six steps present an overview of the entire campaign planning process and key questions to focus thinking. Click Here
EcoSchools Action Plan A template to clarify goals and plan how to achieve them. Click Here
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 Campaign" above. Order using the Order Form tool (see above). Click Here
Action Plan Checklist: Public Viewing of an Environmental Film A four-part checklist to guide preparation for and execution of an environmental film showing. Click Here
Event Day Guidelines: Public Viewing of an Environmental Film A sample schedule for an environmental film showing. Click Here
Action Plan: School Environmental Improvement Plan Template A template to clarify goals and plan how to achieve them. Click Here
Copy Paper Outlines the difference between 2 copy paper stocks (100% and FSC-certified) available from the Board's Distribution Centre and how to order each. Click Here
Green 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 Impact on the Environment: Energy Conservation Top
Tool Description Download
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
Refrigerators Ordering information for the best environmental and economic choice of refrigerator. Click Here
Dishwashers and Clothes Washers Ordering information for the best environmental and economic choice of dishwasher and Cloth Washers. Click Here
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

2.2 Reduce Impact on the Environment: Waste Minimization Top
Tool Description Download
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
The Waste Audit: A “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
Waste Audit Results A worksheet to record the results of the school waste audit and develop Ministry of Environment-required Waste Reduction Work Plan. Click Here
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
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
Material to Support Your Recycling Program "We recycle" posters in English and French plus a poster with tips for savings at the photocopier and information about the EcoSchools Waste Audit Guide. Click Here
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
Lunchroom Recycling Barrels Larger recycling unit to help schools better manage waste in cafeterias and lunchrooms. 50% subsidy from EcoSchools. Click Here
Recycling Toters for Schools and Centres 95 gallon toters for collecting recyclables from classroom and office recycling boxes. Ordered by caretaking staff. Click Here
Empty Toner and Ink Recycling Outlines the current process used to recycle printer cartridges used at school and at home. Click Here
5 Reasons to Recycle Your Used Printer Cartridges A poster that encourages contributions of used printer cartridges from home as well as from the school office and classrooms. Click Here
Waste-free Lunches 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

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
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
Used Appliances and Scrap Metal Clear description of the options for disposing of used appliances and scrap metal. Click Here
Surplus and Old Furniture Clear description of how to offer your surplus and old furniture for reuse. Or how to recycle it. Click Here 
Request for the Disposal of Chemicals and 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
Fluorescent Lamps and Light Bulbs Instructions for how to safely package expired fluorescent lamps and other bulbs that contain mercury for recycling by Paul Wolf Electric. Click Here
Waste Vegetable Oil A new program to recycle waste cooking oil. Directions for pick-up included. Click Here
Sawdust and Wood Cut-offs Information about how to set up collection of sawdust and wood cut-offs for reuse. Click Here
The Electronic Trading Post Information about the official online site for schools to advertise and/or sell usable furniture, equipment, and textbooks Click Here
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
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


3. Care for and Create Vibrant Schools Grounds Top
Tool Description Download
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
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
Window of School Ground Wishes Graphic that invites elementary students to draw a picture of "the best school ground ever." Click Here 
Student Survey (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
Student Survey (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
Sample Letter to Announce Your Project: General Letter for all Greening Projects Suggestions about the basic information that should be included in a sample letter announcing the school's greening project to the community. Click Here
Helpful How-to Guides Guides to provide greater depth, whether it's getting started, planning and design, funding, or recommended tree and shrub species. Click Here
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
Design Consultation Process Consultation and approvals process information to help schools make the most of the Board's professional horticulture and landscape architect expertise. Click Here
Guidelines for Tree and Shrub 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
School Food Gardens Expert advice in an easy-to-digest 2-page chart on “basics” and “care/plant selection/resources.” Click Here
Vegetable Seed Planting Table Basic information about which vegetables are best for school gardens, when to start indoors, and how to plant outside. Click Here
Fundraising Tips Expert advice on how to write a grant application that will succeed. Click Here
Sample Budget: Native Plants and Other Resources Specific examples of the kinds of materials, in addition to plants, that should be in the greening project's budget. Click Here
Preparing for Planting Day A checklist to remind schools of the many things to attend to in advance of planting trees. Click Here
Planting Day Tips—Small Trees Suggestions for a successful planting day, including tools needed, and managing private suppliers. Click Here
Nature Study Areas Definition and basic information about how find out if your school ground is suitable and how to begin the process of establishing a Nature Study Area. Click Here
Mulch Is Magic: Spread It! A clear list of why to mulch, how to mulch, and what to order. Click Here
The Bucket Watering Method for 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
Invasive Plant Species: Stop the Spread! Information about invasive species commonly found on TDSB school grounds and what schools can do to help protect biodiversity in Toronto. Also includes links to teacher resources! Click Here


4. Improve Student Achievement through Ecological Literacy Top
Tool Description Download
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
Unpacking Ecological Literacy: A companion to the EcoReview Questions Checklists for questions 4.2-4.7 in Section 4 that describe possible ways to meet these expectations. Click Here
Summary of Lesson(s)/Unit Form to accompany each example of student work for your Portfolio Binder (minimum 5), representing different grades and subjects. Click Here
Fundamentals: “How Nature Works” Offers Dr. Art Sussman's elegantly simple summary of the 3 main systems interactions within nature. Click Here
Tips for Teaching Outdoors Concise distillation of the benefits, along with how to prepare, what to do when outside, and a reminder to debrief and evaluate. Click Here
Education in the Environment: Interpretive Hikes Instructions for conducting 5 different curriculum-linked interpretive hikes. Click Here
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
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
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 
Local Education 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
GRASP: Developing Ecological Literacy through Rich Performance Tasks 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. Includes 1-page GRASP template to aid teacher planning and reflective learning log--excellent summaries for Portfolio Binder. Click Here
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
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
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
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
Big Ecological Ideas TDSB guides on waste and energy extract the "big ideas" that underlie science and social studies curriculum expectations (1-8). Click Here
Education for the Environment: Are you an Environmental Citizen? Questionnaire to allow students to self-assess how "green" their lifestyle is. Click Here
Keep the Heat In Chart to monitor classrooms closing blinds and curtains at day's end. Click Here
Let the Sunlight In Chart to monitor opening window coverings and turning off lights when possible to conserve energy.  Click Here
Let the Air Flow Chart to monitor how well your school is keeping air vents clear. Click Here
Save our Resources Chart to monitor how well the recycling boxes are being used in classrooms and other locations in the school. Click Here
Energy Monitoring Chart All-in-one designed for use in individual classrooms. 11x17 Click Here
Writing Letters Encourage students to be active citizens through different forms of writing. Click Here

5. Contribute to Healthy, Safe, and Caring School Communities Top
Tool Description Download
Healthy, Safe, and Caring Schools 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
Cleaners Ordering information for caretakers about "green" cleaners. Click Here
Sustainable Transportation A list of resources to support schools that make sustainable transportation one of their goals. Click Here
Sun Safe Behaviour This new tool helps raise awareness about the effects of too much sun and how to promote sun safety at your school. Click Here
Shade and Energy Conservation: Questionnaire for Parents/Guardians 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 School Ground Greening: Designing for Shade and Energy Conservation pages 38-43. Click Here
EcoReview Site Assessment for Shade and Energy Conservation (Elementary) Template listing different areas of the school ground to be assessed for adequacy of tree cover for shade and energy conservation. Click Here
EcoReview Site Assessment for Shade and Energy Conservation (Secondary) Template listing different areas of the school ground to be assessed for adequacy of tree cover for shade and energy conservation. Click Here
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
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
School Ground Summer Maintenance Tips Expert advice for keeping your planting healthy through the summer months. Click Here
Watering Schedule Sign-up Sheet Basic tree watering instructions and a template for spring and summer schedules. Click Here
Seasonal Stewardship Plan Simple chart to organize volunteer duties for care of trees and gardens through the seasons. Click Here
Community Clean-up Information about how to register online to participate in a community clean-up. Click Here
Build Community through an Environmental Education Event An introduction to the TDSB's Celebrating Ecoschools: Festival Ideas (Elementary). Provides several environmental acitivities that can involve the whole community. Click Here