We join a distinguished list of Rhode Island award-winners and are the only Rhode Island district to receive this honor.”

Superintendent Thomas Kenworthy

PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth School Department was one of only five school districts nationwide to be honored with a Green Ribbon from the U.S. Department of Education on Earth Day on Thursday, April 22.

The award is in recognition of “innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education.”

“We join a distinguished list of Rhode Island award-winners and are the only Rhode Island district to receive this honor,” Superintendent Thomas Kenworthy stated in an e-mail to parents. 

“There are many individuals throughout our district who helped to make this possible, but none more than Margie Brennan, our district science coach. Please join me in congratulating Margie and all in the (district) for their efforts,” Mr. Kenworthy said.

Barrington Middle School was also honored as a school, but Portsmouth was the municipality in Rhode Island to be honored with a Green Ribbon as a district.

Three state education officials, Joseph DaSilva, Manuel Cordero, and Mario Carreno, at the Rhode Island Department of Education School Building Authority, are also being recognized for their efforts to advance school sustainability. 

“The pandemic has driven home the vital importance of school buildings and grounds; health and wellness; and hands-on authentic learning,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “I congratulate the selected schools, districts, and postsecondary institutions, which are, through their sustainability practices, offering healthy, safe, efficient school environments and protecting our planet.

"Not surprisingly, many of our honorees support students in underserved communities, proving once again that green schools’ practices, encompassing best practices school operations, health, and environmental learning, are critical tools to advance equity.” 

The honorees were named from a pool of candidates nominated by 20 states. The selectees include 24 public schools — among them, five charter schools and one magnet school — as well as three nonpublic schools. Over half of the 2021 honorees are in communities where over 40 percent of the student body are eligible for free and reduced lunch.