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Sustainability

For questions about NPS Sustainability, please contact Stephanie Kane Gilman, Director of Planning, Project Management and Sustainability.
617-559-9029

School Sustainability Working Group

The Newton Public Schools, through its support of the School Sustainability Working Group (SSWG,) seeks to promote and increase sustainable practices throughout the district. The School Sustainability Working Group includes representation from NPS administration, facilities, educators, school committee members,  our food service partner, City of Newton Department of Public Works and Department of Sustainability. For more information on SSWG, please download this document: SSWG Purpose, Structure, Objectives, and Timeline.

The SSWG works to improve sustainable practices in the areas of transportation, energy, recycling, and food service. For more information on initiatives in each issue area follow the links for Transportation, Energy, Food Services and Recycling (visit this page for information on our new textile recycling program with partner, Helpsy.)

City and district officials work in partnership with Green Newton, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to create sustainable solutions to environmental problems facing our city and our world, often in collaboration with City government and schools, and with other nonprofits across Massachusetts. 

New in 2024-2025-Green Team Captains at Every School!

The most recent update of the NTA contract includes stipend positions for Green Team Captains at every school.  Thanks to DEP grant funds through DPW’s Sustainable Materials Management Office and revenue generated by the Helpsy textile collection bins, these stipend positions have been funded since the 2024-25 school year.  See a list of the Green Team Captains at each school.
NNHS Green Team

NPS Sustainability News!

Solar Canopies
aerial photo of the solar canopies at Newton North Hight school parking lot

​​​​​​Solar Canopies at Newton North High School Parking Lot - There are also 8 electric vehicle charging stations at Newton North High School

Green Newton's Annual Meeting on May 19th
members of the green team

Green Newton Honors NPS Environmental Educators and Youth Leaders

At Green Newton's Annual Meeting on May 19th, attendees gathered to celebrate a year of meaningful accomplishments and to honor environmental educators and youth leaders.  

Two outstanding educators—Deanna Hoffman and Kathryn Teissier du Cros—were honored for their leadership of Green Newton’s School Connections Committee, as well as for their work on developing the Green Captains program that now has a Green Captain in every NPS school. 

Green Newton also recognized the inspiring contributions of its youth leaders.

Green Newton’s work is rooted in building a sustainable future for generations to come—making it especially meaningful to recognize the educators and youth leaders who are helping bring that vision to life.

Also in attendance were Andrew Thompson, NSHS teacher and coordinator of the Green Captain program, and former Underwood building aide and green champion, Andrew Gluck.