Rockledge Elementary Achieves Maryland Green School Status

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Last modified: 5/11/2012 9:37:04 AM

News Release

Rockledge Elementary Achieves Maryland Green School Status

May 11, 2012

For Immediate Release

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Office of Communications

301-952-6001

communications@pgcps.org

UPPER MARLBORO, MD -- Rockledge Elementary School joins 100 other Maryland schools to make up the 2012 class of certified and recertified Maryland Green Schools. The Maryland Green Schools Award Program, developed and administered by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE), challenges schools to integrate the environment into all aspects of the school culture. Green Schools have integrated environmental components into their professional development, curriculum, maintenance and operations practices, and community involvement.

“This was a rigorous project that could only be achieved through a strong team effort,” said Rockledge principal Kimberly Seidel. “With the help of our students, teachers, parents, retirees and partners in the community, we were able to meet all the requirements for the award.”

Although teachers Sue Livera and Fran Koontz have retired, they did not stop pursuing their goal of seeing their former school achieve Maryland Green School status. With students, staff and parents, they planned “Trash Free” days, helped build bluebird houses, planted trees, worked on grade-level projects and partnered with the City of Bowie to implement a recycling program.

Maryland Green School projects at Rockledge will help reduce runoff to the Chesapeake Bay, decrease solid waste, increase wildlife habitat and contribute towards a healthier school environment. The program also encourages students to become environmental stewards and prepares them for 21st-century “green” jobs.

“The Maryland Green School Program empowers students, teachers, parents and the community. Students engaged with building a sustainable program today will ensure that the future is a better place and that they had a part in making it so,” says MAEOE executive director Laura Johnson Collard.

Rockledge will be officially recognized as a MAEOE Certified Maryland Green School during the Maryland Green School Youth Summit on June 1 at Sandy Point State Park. Each school will receive the Maryland Green School flag. For more information about the Maryland Green School Program, visit the MAEOE website at www.maeoe.org.

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About PGCPS: Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS), one of the nation's 25 largest school districts, has 204 schools, approximately 125,000 students and nearly 18,000 employees. With an annual budget of $1.6 billion, the district serves a diverse student population from urban, suburban and rural communities. PGCPS is nationally recognized for its innovative programs and initiatives, including the expansion of Advanced Placement courses and partnerships with businesses and institutions of higher learning.

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