Federal Way Schools Have Earned Green Schools Designation

Federal Way Public Schools is committed to practicing responsible environmental stewardship. Our students, teachers and staff are making a difference in our community with programs to recycle, reduce waste, save energy and conserve resources. Besides the long-range benefits of good environmental stewardship, we strive to provide a healthy environment that is conducive to student learning and employee productivity.

Our commitment began 1996 when Federal Way became the 2nd school district in the state to establish a Resource Conservation Manager by appointing Ed Novak to that position.  Over the next ten years, Novak spearheaded the district’s conservation effort to recycle, reduce waste, save energy and conserve water.

Novak and the district received a Green Schools Certificate of Recognition in 2006, “For leading the district to reach and exceed goals in waste reduction and recycling, energy conservation, environmental purchasing and environmental education” from the City of Federal Way and King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.

The King County Green Schools Program presented its ‘Green Globe Leader in Sustainable Schools Award’ to the district on April 13, 2007.  The award is presented for the district’s outstanding efforts to expand conservation strategies and to engage students and staff in a variety of stewardship practices.

The district reduced energy costs by more than $75,000 each of the past two years by installing high efficiency lighting, monitoring boiler efficiency, and modifying vending machines.  Its commitment to environmentally sound resource use extends to vigilantly monitoring heating and lighting controls, increasing waste reduction and recycling, and retrofitting mechanical systems for increased efficiencies. In addition, vendors are encouraged to provide options for using green or environmentally friendly products.

Conservation stewardship is a key priority in the design and construction of new facilities. Todd Beamer High School was designed and built with special care to protect the surrounding wetlands which are part of the Hylebos Creek watershed, a habitat for salmon and other native species of plants and animals. Not only is it environmentally sensitive, it’s an award-winning learning environment. In 2004, Todd Beamer High School received the James MacConnell award, the most prestigious award in the country for school design. It’s presented annually by the Conference of Educational Facility Planners International.

Truman High School was designed and constructed in 2005 utilizing natural daylight that reduced the overall energy usage to 33 percent below code requirements.   In addition, vents at the clerestory level and operable windows allow for natural ventilation. Truman has also been honored for architectural excellence.

The construction of Seqouyah Middle School in 2005 reflects the district’s commitment to the environment utilizing natural light and open spaces. The math and science focused curriculum is grounded in teaching students about the natural world and their relationship to it. It combines hands-on learning with outdoor experiences, and teachers using innovative ways to involve students. 

Situated on a 47-acre campus at the shore of Five Mile Lake, Sequoyah staff and students have environmental education opportunities right outside the school’s doors. Last spring, a quarter of a mile wetlands trail was created with the help of parents, students and community partners so that students learn why wetlands are important. Curriculum has been specially designed for Sequoyah’s wetlands trails by the organization The Wonder of Wetlands (W.O.W.) with support from Ducks Unlimited, the Washington Department of Ecology, Friends of the Hylebos, Science Partnership, and the Tacoma Nature Center. Students will utilize the newly developed Wetlands Trail on Sequoyah's campus to collect and analyze ongoing data about the health of this wetland's ecosystem.