Submitted by Brian Goodman

Respecting and protecting the environment is a strong belief in Washington state. The Lopez Island School District embodies that ethic. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and California Casualty recognized the Lopez Island School District as a Washington State Green Ribbon School District, presenting a plaque and cash award. Lopez Elementary School’s L.I.F.E garden is recognized as one of the premiere teaching gardens in the country, teaching students how to sow, cultivate and harvest their own produce, while incorporating math, science, reading and literacy lessons based on Antonia Demas’s award-winning Food is Elementary curriculum.

State Green Ribbon nominees must show how they met three key pillars:

1. Reducing environmental impacts and costs

2. Improving health and wellness

3. Effective environmental and sustainability education

California Casualty presented each Washington Green Ribbon school or district with $1,250 to further additional green school efforts or to use for travel to Washington, D.C. if they are named a National Green Ribbon School.

California Casualty has served educators since 1951 and provides the Washington Education Association’s National Education Association Auto and Home Insurance Program. California Casualty supports schools and education efforts in Washington and across the country.

About California Casualty:

Founded in 1914, California Casualty provides auto and home insurance to educators, firefighters, law enforcement and nurses. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, with Service Centers in Arizona, Colorado and Kansas, California Casualty has been led by four generations of the Brown family. To learn more about California Casualty, or to request an auto insurance quote, please visit www.calcas.com or call 1-877-509-1593.

About OSPI:

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is the primary agency charged with overseeing K–12 education in Washington State. Led by State School Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI works with the state’s 295 school districts and nine educational service districts to administer basic education programs and improve student achievement on behalf of more than 1 million public school students.