The Chesapeake Bay Trust recognized Calvert County Public Schools for exemplary environmental leadership at its Treasure the Chesapeake Celebration on May 24.
At the award ceremony, Superintendent Jack Smith noted that the success of the Green Schools to a Clean Bay program could be attributed to the close coordination between CHESPAX, the school system’s departments of instruction and facilities, and community project partners. The Trust’s Melanie Teems Award is given to an outstanding grant program that engages or educates Maryland students and citizens about Bay issues or restoration. CHESPAX is the school system’s environmental education program.
For three years, Calvert County Public Schools operated the Chesapeake Bay Trust funded Green Schools to a Clean Bay initiative, a program designed to create a school culture that leads to a healthier Chesapeake Bay. As a result of this effort, Calvert County Public Schools became the first and only system in Maryland to achieve 100% Green School status, a distinction earned by those schools demonstrating the highest standards of environmental stewardship.
Some of the efforts at the schools include energy conservation, recycling, school yard habitat projects, and various other programs that result in a cleaner bay and a more informed citizenry. For more information, visit the Green Schools website: http://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/departments/other/greenschools/index.asp
