Howard County Schools Awarded Green School Certification, 2017

April 25th, 2017

Seven Howard County public schools have earned certification or recertification as Green Schools from the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education. The Green Schools will be recognized at the Maryland Green Schools Youth Summit on May 18, 2017, at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis.

Bonnie Branch Middle School and the Homewood Center are the latest facilities in the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) to earn certification. Atholton, Centennial Lane, Deep Run, Forest Ridge and Hollifield Station elementary schools achieved re-certification as Green Schools. Glenwood Middle School achieved Sustainable School status for having successfully participated in the Green Schools program for 14 years.

“I am very proud of Howard County’s 2017 Green Schools for their exemplary work to strengthen environmental education and green practices inside and outside of their classrooms. Their leadership and contributions to sustaining the environment have a positive impact on their communities,” said HCPSS Superintendent Renee A. Foose.

HCPSS has a total of 55 schools that have earned the Maryland Green Schools certification since the program began in 1999. Each certified Green School has demonstrated a continuous effort to integrate sustainable environmental practices, environmental education curricula, professional development opportunities, and community engagement into their daily operations.

The schools engaged in educational opportunities that increase awareness and understanding of environmental relationships that impact public health and the local community. The Green Schools certification signifies that these schools have made a commitment to developing environmental stewards and reducing environmental impact.