Fourteen county public schools have been recertified as Maryland Green Schools, and two additional schools earned their initial Green School certification this year, the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) has announced.
Under the Green Schools program, schools are recognized for their exemplary work in environmental education, sustainability action, and community engagement, focusing on how the community’s relationship with the environment impacts public health and society and promotes environmental literacy.
Green School status is acquired over a period of approximately two years as schools establish a practical, 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.
Crofton Meadows Elementary School and Millersville Elementary School are the newest schools in the county to achieve Maryland Green School Status.
Recertification occurs every four years after the initial certification. The following schools earned recertification this year:
- Fourth recertification – Sustainable Bronze (16 years as a Green School): Bodkin Elementary School, Broadneck High School, Mayo Elementary School
- Third recertification – Sustainable (12 years): Cape St. Claire Elementary School, Marley Glen Special School, Oak Hill Elementary School, Overlook Elementary School, Severna Park Middle School, Southern High School, Sunset Elementary School
- Second recertification (8 years): Center of Applied Technology – South
- First recertification (4 years): Brooklyn Park Middle School, Ferndale Early Education Center, Hillsmere Elementary School
With 53 schools and centers with Maryland Green School status, about 43 percent of AACPS facilities have completed the challenging process to earn the state’s highest recognition of environmental literacy.
Established 25 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 structures for outdoor learning. After demonstrating sustained environmental action and awareness culture, schools are encouraged to seek recertification every four years.
For more information about MAEOE’s Green Schools program, click here.