Frederick High School joins six other Frederick County public schools and nearly 700 statewide to be certified in the Maryland Green Schools program. Wolfsville Elementary also successfully recertified as a Maryland Green School.
The program, led by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE), encourages opportunities for schools that increase awareness and understanding of environmental relationships that impact public health and the local community.
To achieve Green School certification, schools must demonstrate continuous effort to integrate sustainable environmental practices, environmental education curriculum, professional development and community engagement in the culture of their studies.
“We are so proud to be recognized as a Maryland Green School,” Frederick High Principal Dr. David Franceschina said. “This would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the hard work of our students, faculty and community. In a time where we are seeing students pulling back in extracurricular activities, it was wonderful that this group stepped up to make a difference not only in our school, but in our community as well.”
In Maryland, 680 schools are part of the program, representing 34 percent of all schools in the state. The other FCPS schools in the program are: Centerville Elementary, Myersville Elementary, Oakdale High, Urbana High and Yellow Springs Elementary.
“As young people are increasingly aware of climate change, we are inspired by their commitment to action and resolve to do their part to find solutions,” said Laura Johnson Collard, MAEOE executive director. “MAEOE welcomes 16 new Maryland Green Schools and looks forward to seeing the students share their passion for the environment with their families and friends.”