Top: Miami Dade Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho; Yulisa Reyes, Khyree Joseph, students from Jose de Diego Middle School; and Mayor Manny Diaz test how much water per minute is released from the faucets at the school. The test is one part of the water audit children will do to learn about water conservation. Bottom: Mayor Manny Diaz kicks-off “Be Water Wise Miami” with students from Jose de Diego Middle School. Photos: Jorge R. Perez/City of Miami.

MIAMI, Fla.—Students at Jose de Diego Middle School, flanked by Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho, launched an in-school water measurement exercise to commemorate National Environmental Education week as part of a one-of-a-kind partnership between the City, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, businesses, nonprofit and government organizations. 

“Be Water Wise Miami,” a project of the National Environmental Education Foundation, includes math, science and language activities focused on water conservation at school and at home, building awareness of this precious resource. Jose de Diego Middle School students led Mayor Diaz, Superintendent Carvalho and others through part of a water measurement exercise in which they examined water use in classrooms, restrooms, kitchens and outdoors. 

The school is one of 14 in Miami taking part in Be Water Wise Miami. Partnering organizations include the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, HydroPoint Data Systems, Inc., Johnson Controls, Inc., South Florida Water Management District, Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

"It is very powerful for young students to see their studies and experiences taken seriously by adults, especially adults in decision making positions working together in the public and private sectors,” Wood said. “It is our hope that Jose de Diego Middle school students, along with 13 other Miami schools will set the standard for future public-private environmental education projects in other cities around the country facing water conservation challenges."

Mayor Diaz, who accompanied the students at the start of the water measurement exercise, said the “Be Water Wise Miami” program helps advance the goals of the Mayor’s Sustainable Initiatives office and the City of Miami Green Commission. 

“Water is one of our most valuable resources, especially in South Florida, where we have experienced drought conditions for much of the last several years,” Diaz said. “It is important that we educate our children in conserving this precious resource, and teach them to appreciate our planet and our environment.”

Mayor Diaz also presented a proclamation to the National Environmental Education Foundation to commemorate Environmental Education Week, April 12-18. 

Superintendent Carvalho said the project was a perfect fit for Miami’s teachers and students as the district has been working to increase environmental and sustainability practices at school.

“I am very excited about The National Environmental Education Foundation’s decision to launch National Environmental Education Week in Miami-Dade County Public Schools,” Carvalho said. “Our school district has been working in partnership with the City of Miami to strengthen green practices in our schools and in our community. This unique partnership reinforces our efforts and underscores the importance of environmental issues. The “Be Water Wise” Program highlights the responsible use of water in our schools and at home and makes us all aware of the important role we play in water conservation.”   

“Be Water Wise Miami” is a special event taking place as part of National Environmental Education Week. EE Week, however, is national in scope with activities planned across the country. More than 2,200 schools and partner organizations and over 4.5 million students will participate in a full week of environmentally themed lessons and activities in K-12 classrooms, nature centers, parks, zoos, museums and aquariums. The Wal-Mart Foundation is the national sponsor of EE Week.

This year’s “Be Water Wise” focus includes lesson plans, quizzes, water-themed nature journaling blogs, “ask-an-expert” opportunities with water professionals and water-quality testing plans for students. For more information about EE Week and Be Water Wise, visit http://www.eeweek.org. 


                                         # # #
Knowledge to Live By
The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) provides knowledge to trusted professionals who, with their credibility, amplify messages to national audiences to solve everyday environmental problems. Together, we generate lasting positive change.

NEEF partners with professionals in health, education, media, business and public land management to promote daily actions for helping people protect and enjoy the environment. Through our primary programs -- Classroom Earth, National Public Lands Day, National Environmental Education Week, Business and Environment, Earth Gauge® and Health & Environment -- we offer Americans knowledge to live by. To learn more, call (202) 833-2933 or visit www.neefusa.org.