It is difficult to capture what makes the Maryland Green School Awards Program work.   Success stories are often measured by more than statistics. The following quotes are from teachers, principals, parents and others who have successfully worked on a Maryland Green School Awards application. We hope they provide inspiration and common ground for all.

Do you have a story to share?   If so, please send a brief comment by email to: jarmacost@baltimorecountymd.gov


• Also See: Maryland Green School Stories

"The children and parents---and community---have learned to look at this world a little differently.    The everyday things around us are not taken for granted as much.    People have seen the accomplishments of the children and are aware that they can do the same things in their own backyards.    They also want to be a part of making a difference. These projects have helped to bring the community together for a common cause, with wonderful results and a feeling of success in working together."

Pam Sherfey, teacher, Linton Spring Elementary School, Carroll County

"Teachers at Mechanicsville Elementary were initially reluctant to spend any additional time in meetings, but when they saw their collective focus, increased involvement of their parents, the meetings became more meaningful. They began to invest more of their time and effort into the process. In the end, the students, administrators, parents and teachers were pleased with the results of their collective effort. Once I started seeing the obvious enthusiasm for environmental topics with my students and the other staff, I was hooked. This is the first time I have seen my students get so involved and committed to work for a common goal."

Barbara Abell, principal, Mechanicsville Elementary, St. Mary's County

"Day by day, and activity by activity, students and staff have grown in their knowledge and appreciation of the role each of us plays in making the world greener.   With each flower planted and water runoff recaptured, each bird feeder built and placed outside, each rain garden and butterfly garden dug and planted, our students have become better stewards of the earth---and, not surprisingly, better students."

Kathleen M. Kelly, acting principal, Catonsville Educational Center at RICA-Baltimore

"The Green School application process itself is extremely valuable.   It allows and requires students, staff, and parents to examine and evaluate aspects of the school's operation and curriculum and how to integrate or promote sound environmental practices."

George Radcliffe, teacher, Centreville Middle School, Queen Anne's County

As the parent of two children who have experienced a Green School education, I feel there are many reasons to support this special program.  My children have enjoyed all the benefits that an interdisciplinary teaching model provides, including more opportunities for science instruction than in non-green schools. It is an extraordinary educational experience which some parents have likened to "a private education in a public school."  Here, my children's fund of knowledge has grown as their skills of inquiry have strengthened.  Now when they are outdoors, they observe their surroundings more keenly and have a better understanding of the causes and effects of what they see.   Being immersed in a Green School atmosphere has helped to deepen my children's sense of caring and respect toward their natural environment.  In turn, their heightened awareness has had a very positive effect on our whole family's environmental practices.  This program has afforded them a space where they have been able to cultivate a joyful and lasting connection with the natural world so critical to the future of the planet.