MENA — The Arkansas Department of Education says it’s nominated the Acorn Public School in western Arkansas to be honored as a “Green Ribbon School” for its achievements in environmental education.
The school is part of the Ouachita River School District and is located in Polk County about 5 miles north of Mena. The education department says the Acorn school includes environmental education in its curriculum and has developed a 15-acre outdoor classroom.
Students grow fruits and vegetables to serve in the school cafeteria and the leftovers are sold at a farmers market with proceeds going to a food bank.
The Green Ribbon program honors schools that can serve as examples for others in conserving energy and protecting the environment. The U.S. Department of Education will announce the winners on April 23.