Yearly Timeline Planning Tool

September-November

• Establish an EcoTeam: See Introduction to EcoSchools and the 5 Step Process for helpful tips on how to build a strong and active team with key support.
• Register your school online: at certapp.ontarioecoschools.org (Registration opens each September and school must register each year.) Read about certification criteria within the online application, in our Certification Guide, and find more resources on the righthand navigation bar in this section.
• Ask for support: Contact parent's council, colleagues, community organizations, your EcoSchools board representative.
• Develop a communication strategy: announcements, newsletters, bulletin boards, posters, etc.
• Become familiar with the certification application and criteria (if interested in certification) in 6 sections: Teamwork & Leadership, Energy Conservation, Waste Minimization, School Ground Greening, Curriculum, Environmental Stewardship), 50 questions, minimum points for assessment (50 points) and target areas for your school for this year.

October-January

• Students complete Initial EcoReviews to assess where the school is at in terms of energy conservation and waste minimization: Resources: Energy Conservation EcoReview and Waste Minimization EcoReview
• Complete and implement Action plans for Energy Conservation and Waste Minimization, based on the results of the EcoReviews. Resources: Energy Conservation Action Plan, Waste Minimization Action Plan.
• Gather submissions for Curriculum section: complete templates in the certification application and collect one copy of one students completed work per submission. See Portfolio checklist and Portfolio Exemplar for more info.
• Start planning for School Ground Greening: Resource: School Ground Greening Guide
• Brainstorm and start Environmental Stewardship campaigns/activities. Resource: Best Practices
• Conduct a waste audit and communicate results. Use our Waste Audit Protocol and Waste Audit Worksheets.
• Input results of Initial EcoReviews: in the certification application and other information as applicable to your school’s achievements so far.
• Deadline: January 31 – input results of Initial EcoReviews. Do not submit your application at this time; just save your inputted data.(Final deadline is April 30th)

February-March

• Monitor and evaluate progress: Use the Walk About Worksheet to track energy conservation practices and use waste tally charts to track contamination how often there are recyclables in the garbage and garbage in the recycling.
• Recognize and celebrate successes.
• Continue to implement action plans.
• Continue inputting information/answers into certification application: Troubleshooting help can be found on our FAQ page.
• Gather portfolio requirements. Use our handy Portfolio Requirements Checklist. You can also take a look at our Portfolio Exemplar.
• Communicate feedback. Tell the school how they are doing and share strategies for improvement.

March-April

• Complete Follow-up EcoReviews: Energy Conservation and Waste Minimization.
• Complete and finalize certification application — final deadline is April 30.
• Submit application: on the Application Summary page.
• Save a copy of the Application Summary page for your records.
• Organize assembled Portfolio requirements (collect throughout the year) or upload documents if part of the Paperless Portfolio.
• Your board representative will advise you of the time/date of your school's site visit (May or June) if applicable: see our Site Visit Information page.
• Final Deadline: April 30 for submitting completed application.

May-June

• Site visits: for new schools and returning schools on alternating years.
• Final standings: are communicated by EcoSchools board reps in June. Your school will receive an EcoSchools plaque if you do not already have one, and a corresponding bronze, silver or gold seal for your achievements for the year.
• Celebrate!