The Rio School District (Rio) resides in an ecological setting and climate conducive to year- round cultivation, inspiring educators to foster sustainable interactions with the environment. Since 2015, district teachers have convened a group that conducts curriculum design sessions led by teachers and outside experts covering ethnobotany, native plants, remedies, and sustainability projects. Rio emphasizes a respectful relationship with the local environment, sustainability, collaboration with the indigenous community, and science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) integration through its newest school, Rio Del Sol STEAM Academy. The district's interdisciplinary approach emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning, integrating field trips and place-based learning to deepen students' understanding of local ecosystems and inspire sustainable practices. Since 2018, Rio has hosted Compost Tea Parties to enrich soil and promote natural garden management. In 2021, the district established the Rio Regenerative Farm to provide all Rio students with the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities to build a healthy and resilient environment, food system, and community. Rio conserves resources using automatic shut-off systems, timed irrigation, and waste reduction initiatives such as Zero-Waste awareness weeks and food-sharing tables. Student advocacy prompted impactful changes in school cafeterias, from removing straws to integrating local food through farm-to-school programs.
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