LA PLATA, Md. (May 5, 2009)—Two Charles County public schools, Arthur Middleton Elementary School in Waldorf and Milton M. Somers Middle School in La Plata, were recently named Maryland Green Schools through the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education Maryland Green School awards program.
Both schools completed a two-year application process earlier this school year to become a Maryland Green School. The process includes documented classroom integration of environmental issues, a demonstration of conservation practices and evidence of existing community partnerships that help enhance environmental learning.
Middleton and Somers are the county's seventh and eighth schools to be named a Maryland Green School since 2000. The program has also recognized Berry and Gale-Bailey elementary schools, and John Hanson, Matthew Henson and Piccowaxen middle schools.
Green schools are recognized for using their school site to help students understand and act on environmental challenges in Maryland. Green schools also model environmental practices in building and landscape design, and operation and maintenance. Green schools are recognized for building and maintaining partnerships with their local community to enhance environmental learning and to design programs to result in a healthier environment.
Both schools will receive a Maryland Green School flag, banner and bumper stickers, and will also be recognized locally and statewide. A recognition ceremony for Southern Maryland Green School award winners will be held June 2 at Huntingtown High School in Calvert County.
Additionally, green schools must renew their status every three years. The program is an integrated approach to learning that incorporates local environmental issue investigation and professional development with environmental best practices and community stewardship.
Source: Charles County public school system