K-12 Education
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from public policy organizations influencing the debate on education policy.
Featured Stories
CPS Celebrates Vals, Sals and Other Outstanding Scholars at Board of Education Meeting
CINCINNATI, Ohio, May 8 -- Cincinnati Public Schools issued the following news:
In a heartwarming ceremony during the Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education Meeting on May 6, the district celebrated the exceptional academic achievements of its valedictorians, salutatorians and other exceptional student achievers. Board President Eve Bolton, Board Vice President Mary Wineberg, Superintendent Iranetta Wright, Treasurer Jen Wagner and other board members congratulated the students and their achievements. Ohio State Representatives Sedrick Denson and Dani Isaacsohn also joined to congratulate
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CINCINNATI, Ohio, May 8 -- Cincinnati Public Schools issued the following news:
In a heartwarming ceremony during the Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) Board of Education Meeting on May 6, the district celebrated the exceptional academic achievements of its valedictorians, salutatorians and other exceptional student achievers. Board President Eve Bolton, Board Vice President Mary Wineberg, Superintendent Iranetta Wright, Treasurer Jen Wagner and other board members congratulated the students and their achievements. Ohio State Representatives Sedrick Denson and Dani Isaacsohn also joined to congratulateand present awards to the scholars.
Amid a backdrop of applause and beaming smiles, each valedictorian and salutatorian was individually recognized and called onstage by their respective principals. Board members, state representatives and district leaders joined in offering warm congratulations, capturing memorable photographs and applauding the students for their exceptional academic performances. This celebration not only honored the hard work and dedication of the students, but also underscored CPS' commitment to nurturing excellence and success within the district
See the full list of valedictorians, salutatorians and other notable scholars below:
Aiken High School
* Tia Baker - Valedictorian
* Aldo Espinoza - Salutatorian
Clark Montessori High School
* Natalie Huston - Valedictorian
* Anna Harris - Valedictorian
* Silas Curry - Salutatorian
* E'nyjah Winston - Salutatorian
* Mariella Wilson-Woodrow - Salutatorian
Gilbert A. Dater High School
* Vilma Lopez Villagrez - Valedictorian
* Tyler-James Akeem Matchen - Salutatorian
Hughes STEM High School
* Nora Khatir - Valedictorian
* Juan Torres - Salutatorian
James N. Gamble Montessori High School
* Jeriyah Clark - Valedictorian
* Saddia Kendrick - Salutatorian
Lighthouse School
* La'Quez Harris - Lighthouse Student Achievement Recipient
Oyler School
* Patience Waller - Valedictorian
* Angel Jones - Salutatorian
Riverview East Academy
* Gabrielle Jackson - Valedictorian
* Zamir Frazier - Salutatorian
Robert A. Taft Information Technology High School
* JaKayla Nyshon Watson - Valedictorian
* Carma Me'Amor Hutchins - Salutatorian
School for Creative and Performing Arts
* Maeve Lewis - Valedictorian
* Karma Fecher - Salutatorian
Shroder High School
* Tanri Pierson - Valedictorian
* Harlem Roland - Salutatorian
Spencer Center
* Mary Schlosser - Marian Spencer Award Recipient
* Lloyd Par - First in Class
* Sebastian Gorman - Second in Class
Walnut Hills High School
* Logan Symson - Distinguished Scholar
* William Walker - Cum Laude Scholar
Western Hills University High School
* Nency Patel - Valedictorian
* Agnes Karumba - Salutatorian
Withrow University High School
* Nikita Minhas - Valedictorian
* Yair DeLeon Aguilar - Salutatorian
Woodward Career Technical High School
* Neveah Wesley - Valedictorian
* Nyah Stone - Salutatorian
* Idalee Santizo-Perez - Salutatorian
* Christopher Shockley- Salutatorian
Congratulations to all the valedictorians and salutatorians on this momentous achievement in their educational journey!
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Original text here: https://www.cps-k12.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=154&ModuleInstanceID=3150&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=7572&PageID=708
M-DCPS Releases Renderings of J.C. Bermudez Doral High School's New Building and Renovations
MIAMI, Florida, May 4 -- Miami-Dade County Public Schools issued the following news release:
School Board members, District and school administrators, teachers and students at J.C. Bermudez Senior High School attended an unveiling of four architectural illustrations of the school's new building and renovations. The General Obligation Bond project, estimated to cost $35.7 million, is expected to be completed in September of 2025.
"Miami-Dade County Public Schools is your best choice with the investment that's been made by our district, and by our School Board to make sure that these students have
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MIAMI, Florida, May 4 -- Miami-Dade County Public Schools issued the following news release:
School Board members, District and school administrators, teachers and students at J.C. Bermudez Senior High School attended an unveiling of four architectural illustrations of the school's new building and renovations. The General Obligation Bond project, estimated to cost $35.7 million, is expected to be completed in September of 2025.
"Miami-Dade County Public Schools is your best choice with the investment that's been made by our district, and by our School Board to make sure that these students havefirst class facilities," said J.C. Bermudez Senior High School Principal Edward Smith. "We're getting a new gym, a little theater, and new science class and labs. It's quite a project."
School Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas, School Board Member Danny Espino, Deputy Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer John D. Pace as well as Doral Mayor Chrsti Fraga were among those who attended the event held at the school's auditorium.
Silva Arhchitects, commissioned to work on the project, created the visuals, the four renderings plus a video of a computerized flyover so that students and staff could see how the school would look when the project is finished. The auditorium filled with students erupted with applause when the flyover video ended and the renderings were shown.
"It's going to be cool for the younger kids. With the basketball court and the new gym it's going to be awesome, " said Logan Malloney ,an 11th grader at the school.
The project will feature the construction of a new 69,000 sq. ft. building, walkways, a courtyard, additional parking spaces as well as remodeling and renovations of existing buildings.
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Original text here: https://news.dadeschools.net/cmnc/new/34039
Lee County School District: New Teacher of the Year and Apples Mentor of the Year
FORT MYERS, Florida, May 3 -- The Lee County School District issued the following news on May 2, 2024:
The School District of Lee County is proud to announce Robert Jones is the 2024 New Teacher of the Year. Mr. Jones teaches 6th grade at reading at Lehigh Acres Middle School and was surprised by the Superintendent, District Administrators, School Board members and co-workers earlier today.
"This is not something I even pictured possible coming into this year," Jones said. "I'm very thankful and grateful. I'm honored to know the hard work isn't going unnoticed and paid off."
Jones started teaching
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FORT MYERS, Florida, May 3 -- The Lee County School District issued the following news on May 2, 2024:
The School District of Lee County is proud to announce Robert Jones is the 2024 New Teacher of the Year. Mr. Jones teaches 6th grade at reading at Lehigh Acres Middle School and was surprised by the Superintendent, District Administrators, School Board members and co-workers earlier today.
"This is not something I even pictured possible coming into this year," Jones said. "I'm very thankful and grateful. I'm honored to know the hard work isn't going unnoticed and paid off."
Jones started teachingafter several years working as a corrections officer. He says he realized couldn't make the impact he wanted on people already incarcerated so he switched to education to make a difference in young people's lives.
"Mr. Jones has made an indelible mark on both his students and colleagues, demonstrating exceptional dedication, creativity, and passion for teaching," said Lehigh Acres Middle School Assistant Principal Vincent Lewis. "He currently teaches 6th grade iReady Reading and has received high praise from his colleagues, administration, and district personnel. He is dedicated to student achievement."
The School District of Lee County's New Teacher of the Year program recognizes newly certified personnel for the significant contributions they make to their school and the School District. The nominees are individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in the performance of their jobs, thereby earning the respect and admiration of students, teachers, administrators, coworkers, parents and the community.
The District is also proud to announce that Leanne Olmstead is the 2024 APPLES Mentor of the Year. Miss Olmstead is an English Language Arts teacher at Ida S. Baker High School and currently mentors two new teachers. She was also surprised by the Superintendent, District administrators, Board Members and co-workers today.
"'I'm just overwhelmed and really appreciate the recognition," Olmstead said. "I had great mentors in my life so it's really important I return the favor. Teaching is not as easy profession and to have people who have your back helps them build their confidence. That's why I do it."
The School District of Lee County's APPLES Program (Accomplished Professional Practices for Lee County Education System) offers a multi-tiered system of support to new and beginning teachers. The APPLES Mentor of the Year recognizes the work and dedication of mentors serving first-year teachers for their time and expertise in building the capacity of their first-year colleagues. The nominees are individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in the performance of their jobs thereby earning the respect and admiration of students, teachers, administrators, coworkers, parents and the community.
"Ms. Olmstead always steps up to mentor others, whether they are in the APPLES program or not" said Ida S. Baker High School Assistant Principal Jill Johnson. "When it comes to curriculum assistance and planning, Leanne ensures that her mentee understands and can access all resources, as well as shares her resources and ideas. When observing and giving feedback, she is professional and gives multiple levels of guidance to ensure that the mentee comes away with valuable feedback."
A selection committee composed of TALC members, principals, teacher representatives and District administrative staff reviewed nominations for APPLES Mentor of the Year. They identified and interviewed the finalists before choosing the winner. A similar committee reviewed the nominations, identified and interviewed the finalists before selecting the New Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Jones and Ms. Olmstead will both be recognized for their achievement by the School Board of Lee County at a June action meeting.
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Original text here: https://www.leeschools.net/news/may_2024/new_teacheroftheyear_and_applesmentoroftheyear
Dallas ISD Helps Students Make Financial Sense
DALLAS, Texas, May 3 -- The Dallas Independent School District issued the following news release:
Dallas ISD is dedicated to ensuring all students have the tools they need to thrive.
That includes empowering them to learn how to manage finances and how spending decisions impact their lives as a whole.
"Dallas ISD is doing a great job providing students with multiple avenues of graduating with degrees, associates, and certificates. But when you think about the conversation around financial literacy, that too needs to be elevated," said Shalon Bond, director of the Social Studies Department. "We're
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DALLAS, Texas, May 3 -- The Dallas Independent School District issued the following news release:
Dallas ISD is dedicated to ensuring all students have the tools they need to thrive.
That includes empowering them to learn how to manage finances and how spending decisions impact their lives as a whole.
"Dallas ISD is doing a great job providing students with multiple avenues of graduating with degrees, associates, and certificates. But when you think about the conversation around financial literacy, that too needs to be elevated," said Shalon Bond, director of the Social Studies Department. "We'rehelping them with careers, but we need to help them to be literate around money."
Dallas ISD is hosting a Financial Literacy Day on May 6. On that day, students throughout the district will be introduced to lessons that foster the importance of developing a better understanding of money and how it impacts their daily lives.
From identifying coins and budgeting basics to learning about mortgages and how to invest for retirement, there will be something for all grade levels. And, for Bond, that's the point.
"We want to bring it into the K-12 spaces," she said. "That's where the idea of Financial Literacy Day came into play - engaging all students across Dallas ISD in activities on how to be financially literate."
While high school students have the option to take a personal financial literacy class, those conversations and lessons should start earlier, she added.
"Yes, we have the class. But that could also be something that students are grasping as early as kindergarten - money sense," she said.
As part of Financial Literacy Day, schools can sign up to have speakers from Bank of America give a presentation. So far, 75 campuses will be hosting Bank of America representatives.
"Financial literacy is important, especially for young people, because it builds a foundation for future financial health," said Elena Hill, Chief Academic Officer. "Understanding how money works will empower our students to transition into adulthood with the skills of budgeting, saving, understanding credit, and ultimately cultivating financial independence."
This is the inaugural year of hosting Financial Literacy Day, but the district plans to make it an annual event. By continuing to invest in financial literacy education, Bond hopes Dallas ISD will lead by example in demonstrating to students as young as pre-K the value of the hard-earned dollar.
"Every year, students will see the importance of financial literacy. So when they take the high school course, they are adding to their knowledge. Not jump starting their knowledge," Bond said.
She also hopes the lessons teach students the role finances play in everyday life.
"It's bigger than just understanding money. It's also about understanding how it works and how it aids society," she said.
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Original text here: https://us11.campaign-archive.com/?u=1882a54dd5b4a5f6ef4cf9f4d&id=3e8e860254
Chicago Public Schools, Service Employees International Union, Local 73, Reach Tentative New Four-Year Agreement
CHICAGO, Illinois, May 3 -- Chicago Public Schools issued the following news release on May 2, 2024:
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 73, announced Wednesday a tentative four-year contract agreement to better compensate the support staff professionals who serve the District's more than 328,000 students, including many of our most vulnerable students. Under the agreement, every full-time SEIU member will earn at least $40,000 a year, a mutual priority of CPS CEO Pedro Martinez and SEIU Local 73 President Dian Palmer.
"These critical support staff
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CHICAGO, Illinois, May 3 -- Chicago Public Schools issued the following news release on May 2, 2024:
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 73, announced Wednesday a tentative four-year contract agreement to better compensate the support staff professionals who serve the District's more than 328,000 students, including many of our most vulnerable students. Under the agreement, every full-time SEIU member will earn at least $40,000 a year, a mutual priority of CPS CEO Pedro Martinez and SEIU Local 73 President Dian Palmer.
"These critical support staffprofessionals carry out vital work in our schools each day, supporting teaching and learning and ensuring the safety and well being of our students," CEO Martinez said. "This agreement reflects our District's commitment to a fair and equitable contract."
The tentative agreement calls for a four percent raise for the first two years, beginning with a retroactive pay increase for this past year (2023-24 ) and next school year while members will see a four to five percent increase for the last two years (2025-26 and 2026-27), dependent on CPI. The agreement also ensures that full-time SEIU Local 73 members begin with a baseline salary of at least $40,000.
"Support staff are the backbone of Chicago Public Schools and provide the quality education Chicago's children deserve," said Dian Palmer, President of SEIU Local 73. "After a year-long fight, our Union members are finally being recognized for their commitment and have secured much needed raises that will greatly improve the lives of these essential workers and provide the respect they deserve."
Some additional benefits of the new agreement are as follows:
* Provides more professional development, including more training for special education classroom assistants.
* Converts all seven-hour security officers to eight-hour employees.
* Extends Board Policy 4-10 - Religious holiday, previously exclusive for teachers, to SEIU Local 73 members.
* Elevates the voices of SEIU Local 73 members through various committees, with inclusion in a safety committee and another on SEIU performance evaluations.
Negotiations took place over the past year. SEIU Local 73 members are scheduled to vote to ratify the contract in the upcoming weeks and it will then go before the Chicago Board of Education for approval.
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About Chicago Public Schools
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is dedicated to providing a high-quality education to all students, beginning with the District's free full-day preschool programming for four-year-old scholars and continuing through neighborhood, magnet and selective-enrollment elementary schools that provide a rigorous K-8 education with schools that specialize in the fine arts, world language and culture, dual language, STEM, International Baccalaureate (IB), classical programs, and more. The rising District-wide freshmen-on-track and high school graduation rates reflect the hard work of the CPS community, including families, staff, and students across 635 schools. CPS celebrates the diversity of its more than 323,000 students who cite 182 home languages.
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About Service Employees International Union
SEIU Local 73 represents more than 35,000 workers, primarily in public service and publicly funded positions in school districts, municipalities, social service agencies, and many other job classifications in Illinois and Indiana. We are dedicated to improving the lives of workers and their families.
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Original text here: https://www.cps.edu/press-releases/2024/may/seiu-tentative-four-year-agreement/
Seattle Public Schools: Well-Resourced Schools Update
SEATTLE, Washington, May 2 -- Seattle Public Schools issued the following news:
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Summary: SPS is building a system of well-resourced schools. This effort aims to ensure every student is prepared for college, career, and life.
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Well-Resourced Schools
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is building a system of well-resourced schools. This effort aims to ensure every student is prepared for college, career, and life.
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What is a Well-Resourced School?
Our goal is that every school in our district will uphold our community's values and offer a comprehensive education to prepare students
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SEATTLE, Washington, May 2 -- Seattle Public Schools issued the following news:
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Summary: SPS is building a system of well-resourced schools. This effort aims to ensure every student is prepared for college, career, and life.
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Well-Resourced Schools
Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is building a system of well-resourced schools. This effort aims to ensure every student is prepared for college, career, and life.
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What is a Well-Resourced School?
Our goal is that every school in our district will uphold our community's values and offer a comprehensive education to prepare studentsfor lifelong success. A well-resourced school is a central hub for students, families, staff, and community.
These schools:
* include access to high-quality educators and modern classroom resources, textbooks, and technology
* offer curriculum that is inclusive and representative of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and abilities
* prioritize safety through proactive security measures
* fosters a supportive environment where students feel valued and supported socially and emotionally
Why: SPS believes in the transformative power of public education and the collaborative investment needed to shape schools that reflect our city and communities.
How: We prioritize innovative, high-quality schools staffed by exceptional educators. Our aim is to ensure every student receives a world-class education tailored to their academic, social, and emotional needs.
What: By fostering a culture of equity, inclusivity, and safety, we provide access to modern resources and diverse curriculum, empowering students for lifelong success and fulfillment in post-secondary education and the workforce.
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May 2024 Board and Community Meetings
SPS is building a system of well-resourced schools. This effort aims to ensure every student is prepared for college, career, and life.
This month, the Seattle School Board will hear an update and the community will be invited to well-resourced schools community meetings.
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Well-Resourced Schools and Budget Presentations to the School Board
Superintendent Jones is not recommending any school closures or consolidations for the 2024-25 school year.
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Timeline
* The School Board heard Superintendent Jones' recommended strategies as an introductory item during the Nov. 15 meeting. Read the presentation overview and watch the meeting recording (https://www.seattleschools.org/news/nov-15-well-resourced-schools-and-budget-presentation/).
* The resolution went back to the full board for consideration at the Dec. 13 Regular Board Meeting.
* The School Board held a work session on Jan. 17, 2024, to hear about updates on budget development.
* The School Board met on March 20, to hear a legislative update.
* The School Board participated in a Budget Work Session on April 3.
* The superintendent will present a well-resourced schools update to the School Board in May 2024.
* The School Board is scheduled to review the final budget recommendation in June and is scheduled to vote on a final budget in July.
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District Structural Deficit and School Impacts
Update to Community on Seattle Public Schools Budget: Supporting Students Together
Every spring, school principals develop their building's budget for the next school year. Budgets guide us as we work to prioritize inclusive and high-quality education for our students.
To achieve a balanced budget, we know we must make changes. We are approaching these decisions in a thoughtful way to ensure we minimize negative impacts on student learning.
Read the full March budget update (https://www.seattleschools.org/news/budget-update-march-2024/)
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Frequently Asked Questions (https://www.seattleschools.org/news/well-resourced-schools-community-meetings/#)
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Guiding the SPS Well-resourced Schools Vision
SPS well-resourced school conversations will be guided by Board Policy 0010, Instructional Philosophy and Board Policy 0030, Ensuring Educational and Racial Equity. These policies demonstrate the Seattle Public Schools commitment that students will be supported and affirmed in their learning, with multiple pathways to success, in school environments where they feel seen, heard, and welcomed in all spaces.
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Ensuring Educational and Racial Equity
Seattle Public Schools has made eight commitments to the success of every student in each of our schools.
Read SPS Policy 0030 (https://www.seattleschools.org/about/school-board/policies/0030-ensuring-educational-and-racial-equity/)
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Well-Resourced Schools Community Engagement and Recommendations
As a district, we value listening to and learning from our community. We seek ways to make sure all voices can be heard, especially those that might be underrepresented in our community.
Superintendent Brent Jones launched a community-wide effort to reimagine a System of Well-Resourced Schools that is safe, equitable, and offers students and families the programs, services and resources they need to succeed and thrive in the neighborhoods where they live.
The community vision will provide a foundation to frame challenges and opportunities for SPS in the coming years and help guide future strategic planning and resource allocation decisions, including funding for Well-Resourced Schools, SPS Funding Our Future planning, renewal of the Seattle Excellence Strategic Plan, and the BEX VI Levy.
To provide district leadership and the School Board with authentic input, a series of community engagement efforts were conducted to help shape a vision grounded in the values and aspirations of the diverse community served by SPS.
Through this process, we heard that families want:
* schools to be central hubs for families and community,
* security measures to keep students safe,
* robust and inclusive music, arts, and sports programs,
* high-quality instruction in core subjects with equity and diversity reflected in the curriculum.
* regular accessible communications to families from the schools, and equitable access to special education, multi-lingual and highly capable advanced learning services.
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Original text here: https://www.seattleschools.org/news/well-resourced-schools-community-meetings/
Allegany County Public Schools Announces 2024 Maryland Green School Awards
CUMBERLAND, Maryland, May 2 -- The Allegany County Public Schools issued the following news:
Allegany County Public Schools is excited to announce it has schools receiving 2024 Maryland Green Schools Awards, through The Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE). Maryland Green Schools are part of a global community of sustainable green schools. Currently, there are 654 active Maryland Green Schools, which makes up 34% of all Maryland schools.
Schools receive recertification as a Maryland Green School after demonstrating and documenting a continuous effort to integrate
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CUMBERLAND, Maryland, May 2 -- The Allegany County Public Schools issued the following news:
Allegany County Public Schools is excited to announce it has schools receiving 2024 Maryland Green Schools Awards, through The Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE). Maryland Green Schools are part of a global community of sustainable green schools. Currently, there are 654 active Maryland Green Schools, which makes up 34% of all Maryland schools.
Schools receive recertification as a Maryland Green School after demonstrating and documenting a continuous effort to integratesustainable environmental management practices, environmental education curriculum, professional development opportunities, and community engagement into daily operations. The award signifies commitment to fostering appreciation for and reducing the school's overall impact on the planet.
"Allegany County Public Schools are proud to have all 8 secondary schools listed as Green Schools. The hard work and dedication of the coordinators, teachers, and staff at each school are greatly appreciated. We had three schools, Fort Hill High School, the Center for Career and Technical Education, and Westmar Middle School, complete the recertification process this year to remain Green which is a great accomplishment." said Dr. Eric Van Slyke, Secondary Science Supervisor.
"Maryland students are becoming better stewards of our Earth's resources and are developing a better understanding of their local environment. We know that Green School practices, such as outdoor learning support interdisciplinary curriculum standards and student engagement, and school greening efforts support school district climate and sustainability goals," said Laura Johnson Collard, MAEOE executive director.
These schools are models within the state of Maryland and in the U.S. Students participate through classwork or projects in a green club and by encouraging others to make a difference. MAEOE will celebrate with Green Schools, Green Centers, and schools that are interested in knowing more about the program at the Annual Maryland Green School Youth Summit on May 30, 2024.
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About MAEOE: MAEOE is a non-profit organization. MAEOEs mission is to encourage, engage, and empower the community to understand, responsibly use, and promote the natural world. MAEOE's Maryland Green Schools Program celebrates 25 years in 2024. For a complete listing of Green Schools and Green Centers visit http://www.maeoe.org.
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Original text here: https://www.acpsmd.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=10&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=12969&PageID=1
