The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) is continuing to highlight the seven focus areas of our Sustainability & Climate Action Plan (2025–2030). This month, we’re focusing on Engagement.

Creating a more sustainable future is something we can all contribute to. Engagement is about bringing students, staff, families, and community partners together to learn, share ideas, and take action that supports a healthy environment.

Why engagement matters

Sustainability is most effective when everyone has a chance to participate. By working together, we can:

• Build awareness of environmental issues and solutions

• Encourage responsible habits and decision-making

• Support student leadership and environmental stewardship

• Connect learning to real-world experiences

• Create positive change in our schools and communities

Every action, no matter how small, can help make a difference.

What UGDSB is doing

Across the district, UGDSB is creating opportunities for students, staff, and families to engage with sustainability through:

• Student leadership opportunities that empower students to share ideas and lead initiatives

• Environmental learning experiences that connect sustainability to classroom learning

• School and board-wide sustainability challenges and activities

• Partnerships with community organizations and environmental groups

• Celebrating and sharing success stories from schools across the district

These opportunities help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to become informed and engaged citizens.

How families can get involved

Families play an important role in supporting sustainability learning and action. You can help by:

• Talking with your child about environmental issues and solutions

• Participating in school and community sustainability events

• Encouraging simple sustainable habits at home, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and saving water

• Celebrating your child's environmental learning and leadership

• Sharing ideas and success stories with your school community

Celebrating sustainability in action

Across UGDSB, students and staff are finding creative ways to make a positive impact on the environment. From classroom projects and environmental clubs to school-wide initiatives, these efforts demonstrate the power of working together.

By engaging students, families, staff, and community partners, we can continue building a culture of sustainability that benefits both current and future generations.