News Release: PGCPS Leads State in Green School Certifications

April 26, 2021
For Immediate Release

CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org

UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) continues to lead the state with the highest number of Maryland Green Schools certifications. This year, three schools earned new certification and 23 schools were recertified, raising the total number of Green Schools to 141 – nearly 70 percent of all schools systemwide and more than 20 percent of the 672 active Maryland Green Schools.

“Green School programs empower our students to be hands-on in understanding their local environment and to become responsible stewards of our Earth’s resources,” said Dr. Monica Goldson, Chief Executive Officer. “We are proud to lead the state in Green School certifications and offer exposure for more students.”

This year, Margaret Brent Regional School, Potomac High School and William Paca Elementary School earned first-time certification, while Laurel Elementary School achieved “sustainable” status for having three consecutive recertifications. To maintain Green School status, schools must recertify every four years. 

Schools earning 2021 recertification include:

• High schools – Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr., Fairmont Heights, Gwynn Park, Largo, Laurel, 

• K-8/Middle schools – Accokeek Academy, Judith P. Hoyer Montessori, Maya Angelou French Immersion, Oxon Hill 

• Elementary schools – Allenwood, Catherine T. Reed, Dodge Park, Edward M. Felegy, Flintstone, Green Valley Academy, Hyattsville, James H. Harrison, Marlton, Montpelier, Princeton, Deerfield Run, Lewsidale

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.

MAEOE and the Maryland Green School community will celebrate virtually in May and June to recognize awardees. 

For more information about the Green Schools Program, visit the MAEOE website. 

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