Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy Named a 2025 California Green Ribbon School

April 23, 2025 - Livermore, CA - The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) is proud to announce that Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy has been recognized as a 2025 California Green Ribbon School by the California Department of Education (CDE). Marylin was one of only 29 schools to be recognized for its demonstrated excellence across three pillars: reducing environmental impact and costs; improving the health and wellness of students and staff; and providing effective environmental education through the incorporation of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), civic engagement, and green career pathways.
 
“This honor is a great example of how we can integrate sustainability into everything we do— from the classroom to the playground,” said Superintendent Torie Gibson. “It reflects the dedication of Marylin’s entire school community to making environmental responsibility part of daily life and learning.”
 
Highlights of Marylin’s sustainability efforts include:

• an 18% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 20% reduction in total energy use 
• an 18% reduction in indoor water use and a 25% reduction in outdoor water through bioretentionwater systems, efficient irrigation, and native plant landscaping
• the integration of environmental STEAM themes into all interdisciplinary classroom learning;weekly STEAM lab instruction; and biweekly science lab activities
• presentations, hands-on lessons, and field trips for students in partnership with localorganizations such as Zone 7 Water Agency, Livermore Area Recreation and Parks District, StopWaste and Quest Science Center
• a dedicated wellness center to support students’ mental health and provide social emotionallearning

“We’re proud of this recognition, but even more proud of the culture it represents,” expressed Joe Meunier, Principal of Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy. “Our students are learning in an environment that not only supports sustainability but also teaches them how to lead the way toward a greener future.”
 
Thanks to matching state bond funds made possible by the community’s support of the Measure J Facilities Bond, the Marylin STEAM Academy is currently undergoing $25 million in infrastructure improvements that include a number of eco-friendly enhancements. Zero-emission heating and cooling systems, dimmable LED lighting, cool roofs and heat-reflective paving will all contribute to reducing Marylin’s carbon footprint. Additionally, new STEAM classrooms, science labs, and a research center will further strengthen Marylin’s STEAM magnet program and overall sustainability education on campus. The full renovation is set for completion by Fall 2025.

Principal Meunier will represent Marylin at the California Green Ribbon Schools Award Ceremony and Symposium on April 30, 2025, to accept the award on the school's behalf. A complete list of this year’s honorees can be found in the CDE’s April 22, 2025 press release.
 
Photos courtesy of LVJUSD:

Photo #1: Students working on drip line irrigation for garden expansion
 

Photo #2: Students harvesting school garden
 
### 
 
ABOUT LIVERMORE VALLEY JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
LVJUSD is an award-winning district that serves more than 13,000 students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade at nine elementary campuses, two TK-8 schools, three middle schools, two comprehensive high schools, and two alternative schools. The LVJUSD features International Baccalaureate Programmes, a Dual Immersion Program, and a STEM pathway, TK-12. The mission of the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District is to ensure each student will graduate with the skills needed to contribute and thrive in a changing world. For more information about the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, please visit https://link.edgepilot.com/s/4051c9ea/AahdAYxRLEumFFblhBdrFg?u=http://www.livermoreschools.org/ 
 
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS:
School Board President Emily Prusso, [email protected]  (925) 606-3281
Superintendent of Schools Torie Gibson, Ed.D., [email protected]  (925) 606-3281
Coordinator of Community Engagement Michelle Dawson, [email protected] (925) 960-2917