Twelve county public schools have earned Maryland Green School designations from the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) for their exemplary work in environmental education, sustainability action and community engagement.
The green school designation is earned over the course of about two years as schools establish an effective, proactive environmental program that includes getting the entire community involved in becoming more environmentally conscious. Successful schools integrate “green” thinking into every aspect of the school experience, from staff professional development to community celebrations. Recertification occurs every four years after the initial certification. Sustainable schools/centers demonstrate consistent green school status for 16 years.
The following schools earned their first Maryland Green School designation this year:
- George Cromwell Elementary School
- Maryland City Elementary School
- North County High School
- Windsor Farm Elementary School
The following schools earned their first recertification
- Annapolis Elementary School
- Center of Applied Technology – South
- Central Middle School
The following schools earned their second recertification:
- Bates Middle School
- Severna Park Middle School
- Sunset Elementary School
- Ruth Parker Eason School
The following school was named a Sustainable Green School:
- Bodkin Elementary School
With 76 schools and centers now with Maryland Green School status, more 61 percent of AACPS facilities have completed the challenging process to earn the state’s highest recognition of environmental literacy.
Established nearly 20 years ago, the Maryland Green School Program celebrates Maryland’s model environmental education efforts as seen through extensive projects that address at least four of the following areas: energy, water, waste, habitat restoration, transportation, healthy school environment, and/or structures for outdoor learning. After demonstrating a sustained culture of environmental action and awareness, schools are encouraged to seek recertification every four years.