Green School Resources
The Maryland Green Schools Program provides an effective, student-centric means of incorporating environmental literacy into our schools, beginning at the elementary level and continuing through high school.
To achieve Green School status, a school must demonstrate that the following occurred:
- Environmental issue instruction in multiple grades or subject areas.
- 10 % of staff has received environmental professional development.
- A school-wide celebration of environmental achievements.
- Student-led sustainable practices were implemented on campus.
- Meaningful relationships with community partners for environmental purposes.
Additionally, Green Schools promote student achievement. Schools that incorporate environmental education through authentic, project-based learning, like the Green Schools program requires, consistently score higher on standardized tests than schools that do not include such lessons.
Important links:
- Green School overview (MAEOE Website)
- Step by Step Guide for New and Recertifying Schools (under development)
- PGCPS Waste Reduction Template
The William S. Schmidt Center is a Maryland Green Schools Program Green Center, responsible for helping Prince George’s County Schools achieve Green School certification. We provide support to aspiring and existing Green Schools every step of the way. We are available to do schoolyard walk-throughs to help identify possible project ideas, help you categorize existing or planned activities into Green School categories, provide assistance with projects, review draft applications, provide professional development to your staff about the Green School process, help you get a Green Team started, or provide you any other support necessary in your Green School efforts.
For further information on Green Schools or to schedule an appointment for assistance with any aspect of the Green Schools process, please get in touch with James Roberson at the Schmidt Center (james.roberson@pgcps.org or 301-888-1185).