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Board of Education

Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) Focus Work Group

At this juncture, PGCPS does not have a specific energy or climate change policy in place. Given that PGCPS needs to have and implement such policies in order to meet the climate goals necessary to stave off the worst of climate change, ensure a healthy learning environment for students, and reduce operating costs, such a plan must be developed. Creation of a CCAP Focus Work Group will allow for decision makers, experts, and affected persons to collaborate on a plan that ensures that PGCPS meets climate targets, betters the health of the students and personnel, reduces costs, and shows that PGCPS is a leader in Maryland and throughout the nation. Inspired by student and parent leaders, the Board of Education approved the work group on March 2, 2021 after a year of planning with Climate Parents of Prince George’s County, Chispa Maryland and PGCPS administration.

The plan will also educate and influence the primary funders of PGCPS, the Maryland General Assembly and Prince George’s County Council.

PGCPS is one of the twenty largest school systems in the nation with approximately 136,000 students and an annual budget of $2.1 billion. PGCPS manages 207 educational facilities, plus many other administrative facilities, and has approximately 19,000 employees. As of May 2021, 131 of the schools in the systems have been certified under the Green School program. These traits give PGCPS a great opportunity to make a meaningful difference in terms of the climate impact it has as it undertakes its mission to educate the large diverse student body in Prince George’s County.

Learn more about the Climate Change Action Plan Focus Work Group

How PGCPS is Taking Action on Climate Change

Climate Change News

Public Questionnaire for Input on the PGCPS Climate Change Action Plan

Climate Change Action Plan Focus Work Group Interim Report

Environmental Literacy and Outdoor Education

Curriculum

Environmental, Agriculture, and Natural Resources

Overview

The Environmental, Agricultural, and Natural Resources Program embraces an interdisciplinary approach to the study of earth systems and the human impact on the environment. The course of study is built on obtaining a solid foundation of biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Students successfully completing the programs of study are equipped to pursue areas of study in college and the expanding career fields related to environmental science.

Programs of Study

The Environmental, Agricultural, and Natural Resources Program currently features the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) with one pathway: Natural Resources.

Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) - Natural Resources

The Natural Resources program of study is composed of a four-course sequence that covers environmental, agricultural and natural resource issues and management. Students will engage in scientific inquiry related to local and regional environmental problems and issues in natural resources management. Recommended Electives: Advanced Placement Biology, Advanced Placement Chemistry, Advanced Placement Environmental Science, Environmental Issues

Program Duration: 3 Years
Beginning Grade Level: 10th
Program Location: Fairmont Heights*, High Point*, Gwynn Park*

*Boundary Students Only

Possible Majors

Environmental Science
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Law and Public Policy
Natural Resources Management
Human Ecology
Agricultural Management
Environmental Urban Planning
Agroecology
Marine Ecology

Possible Careers

Agronomist
Greenhouse Supervisor
Soil Scientist
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Planner
Forest Ranger
Urban Planner
Food Safety Inspector
Food Product Developer
Agricultural Marketing Representative

Green School Program

The Maryland Green Schools program, sponsored by The Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE), is one of the most rigorous and comprehensive Green School certification programs in the nation. It encourages educational opportunities, increases environmental awareness and promotes environmental stewardship practices for students at all grade levels. Through a non-competitive application process, schools must demonstrate their green activities and culture in eight criteria areas. Learn more about the Green School Program.

Geothermal Heat Pumps in Our Schools

A ground source heat pump (also geothermal heat pump) is type heating/cooling system for buildings that uses a heat pump to transfer heat to or from the ground, taking advantage of the relative constancy of temperatures of the earth through the seasons. Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) – or geothermal heat pump (GHP) as they are commonly termed in North America – are among the most energy-efficient technologies for providing HVAC and water heating using far less energy that can be achieved by burning a fuel in a boiler/furnace) or by use of resistive electric heaters.
Wikipedia contributors. (2021, June 22). Ground source heat pump. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 14:59, June 23, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ground_source_heat_pump&oldid=1029900468

PGCPS Schools With Geothermal Heat Pumps

Rooftop Photovoltaic Power (Solar) Stations on Our Schools

A rooftop photovoltaic power station, or rooftop PV system, is a photovoltaic (PV) system that has its electricity-generating solar panels mounted on the rooftop of a residential or commercial building or structure.
Wikipedia contributors. (2021, June 22). Rooftop photovoltaic power station. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 15:07, June 23, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rooftop_photovoltaic_power_station&oldid=1029852294