Six county public schools have been added to the distinguished list of Maryland Green Schools, the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) has announced. The latest schools to earn the achievement are: Edgewater, Lake Shore, Overlook, and Severn elementary schools; and Annapolis and Magothy River middle schools.
In addition, five other AACPS schools earned either their second or third certifications. Folger McKinsey earned its third certification, while Benfield, Pasadena, South Shore, and Tyler Heights elementary schools were each certified for the second time.
With its third certification this year, AACPS’ Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center continues to be recognized by MAEOE as a state-leading Green Center.
With 58 schools and centers now with green schools status, more than 48 percent of AACPS facilities have completed the challenging process to earn the state’s highest recognition of environmental literacy.
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.
Established 15 years ago, the Maryland Green School Program celebrates Maryland’s model environmental education efforts as seen through extensive projects that address at least two 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.