More Thames Valley schools than ever before are showing their true colour — and it’s green.

As of Jan. 26, 83 schools are registered with the Ontario EcoSchools program — a new record for participation across the school district — said Thames Valley District School Board environmental learning co-ordinator Christine Holmes.

But she doesn’t want to stop now. Holmes is hoping that enough schools register by next week’s Jan.31 deadline to reach the 100-school mark.

“Just over three years ago, we only had 17 schools registered to participate in the Ontario EcoSchools program,” Holmes said. “We only need 17 more schools this year to reach 100 schools.”

Schools apply for EcoSchool certification by completing a process that assesses and recognizes accomplishments in each of six key areas: teamwork and leadership, energy conservation, waste minimization, school ground greening, curriculum and environmental stewardship.

“While some schools register with the intention of getting certified with Ontario EcoSchools, others simply want to move forward environmentally, raise awareness in their communities and stay informed about TVDSB green initiatives,” Holmes explained.

She recommends each school designate at least one staff member to take on the role of EcoRep and register for the Ontario EcoSchool program online at http://certapp.ontarioecoschools.org.

Ontario EcoSchools is an environmental education and certification program for grades K-12 that helps school communities develop both ecological literacy and environmental practices to become environmentally responsible citizens and reduce the ecological footprint of schools.

More than 1,500 schools in 44 boards across Ontario achieved EcoSchools certification during the 2010-11 school year.

To learn more about the organization, go to www.ontarioecoschools.org.