Fullerton School District Celebrates Maple Elementary’s 2026 Green Ribbon Recognition

One of Fullerton School District’s most historic campuses, Maple Elementary School, has been named a 2026 California Green Ribbon School by the California Department of Education, a prestigious recognition honoring schools for outstanding achievements in resource conservation, health promotion and environmental literacy.

As a Green Ribbon School, Maple Elementary – which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024 – stands as a model for creating healthy, sustainable learning environments while empowering students with the knowledge and skills needed to build a more resilient future.

“This recognition reflects our commitment to not only educate, but to nurture future leaders who are innovators and advocates for their communities and the planet,” Principal Amanda Sobresemana, Ed.D., said. “We are proud to provide experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence and empower students to see themselves as changemakers.”

Maple’s transformation into an environmental science, project-based learning school has created a dynamic and immersive educational experience for over 300 preschool through sixth grade students.

Signature practices include overnight experiential field trips, large-scale interactive murals representing global biomes, and a unique environmental science curriculum. Visitors can scan elements of the murals to access digital learning about a variety of ecosystems.

The school’s sustainability efforts include the installation of solar panels, energy-efficient lighting upgrades and drought-resistant landscaping that supports outdoor learning. Maple has implemented robust waste-reduction initiatives and installed refillable water stations to reduce single-use plastic on campus.

Maple also follows the Healthy Schools Act, ensuring safe and transparent pest management practices, partners with Nutrition Services and local organizations to provide locally grown ingredients, and has implemented Share Tables to reduce food waste. As a Community School, Maple supports students and families with resources and social-emotional services, including through its CAFE (Chill Area for Everyone) center.

Maple promotes environmental literacy beyond the classroom through hands-on experiences like trips to Tanaka Farms, Catalina Island, Running Springs, and the Environmental Nature Center. Events such as Career Connect STEAM Night engage families with real-world learning. This fall, students explored STEM careers through interactive exhibits, including a 60-foot inflatable whale from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.

Student achievement reflects the impact of this approach. In 2025, a team of four fifth-grade students earned recognition from Congresswoman Michelle Steel in the Congressional App Challenge, with their project demonstrating innovative thinking in sustainability.

“Maple Elementary’s recognition is a testament to the dedication and creativity of its staff, who continue to design innovative, real-world learning experiences for students,” said Interim Superintendent Chad Hammitt, Ed.D. “Their work is opening doors for students to explore future careers, think critically about real challenges, and develop the skills they need to lead and make a difference.