Systemic Sustainability

Environmental Curriculum and Instruction

1.1 Activities

Elementary & middle schools must provide one example of outdoor/environmental instruction per grade level.

High schools must provide one example of outdoor/environmental instruction in four subjects (which may include multiple different differents sciences).

Grades
Pre-K
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Thu, 9 Feb 2023
Lesson / Activity
Who Polluted The River?
Teacher Name
Juliet Unger
Students Count
33
Activity Description

Students engaged in a role-play activity to gain an understanding of how and why the Chesapeake Bay has been polluted over time. Students took turns adding different pollutants to a jar of clean water to visualize the process. Students were asked the overarching question "who polluted the water?" to discover that humans and their actions have led to an increase in water pollution. Students brainstormed ways to minimize and prevent water pollution in the future.

Images
Grades
Kindergarten
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Wed, 13 Apr 2022
Lesson / Activity
Why Do Plants Need Water To Grow?
Teacher Name
Katlyn Fincke and David Carey
Students Count
50
Activity Description

Students engaged in a long-term project by adding different liquids to different plants over time and observing how each plant changed based on the liquid it received. Students recorded their findings and discussed why water is important, how plants grow, and why it is important to be sustainable.

Images
Grades
Grade 1
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Thu, 10 Nov 2022
Lesson / Activity
Growing Garlic
Teacher Name
Juliet Unger
Students Count
32
Activity Description

Students in first grade learned about how bulbs grow and different kinds of bulbs. Each student planted a garlic clove in hexagonal beds that were constructed by High School interns at Baltimore City Public School's Great Kids Farm.

Images
Grades
Grade 2
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Thu, 22 Sep 2022
Lesson / Activity
Obsserving Nature
Teacher Name
Juliet Unger
Students Count
73
Activity Description

All second grade students learned the definition of the word "environment." Students then took magnifying glasses, whiteboards, and markers outside to observe biotic and abiotic organisms in our school's environment.

Images
Grades
Grade 3
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Mon, 7 Nov 2022
Lesson / Activity
A Tree's Life
Teacher Name
Juliet Unger
Students Count
62
Activity Description

Students learned how to estimate the age of a tree by counting the number of rings on a tree circle. Students practiced counting rings and guessing the age of different types of trees. They made their own tree circles on paper to show how many rings they would have if they were a tree.

Images
Grades
Grade 4
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Thu, 19 Jan 2023
Lesson / Activity
Classroom Energy Audit
Teacher Name
Bernard Redd
Students Count
26
Activity Description

4th grade students learned about the harmful effects of using too much energy. They engaged in a classroom energy audit activity to build awareness of how much energy they use in their classroom and school every day. Students in this class made signs to post up by light switches as reminders to turn off the lights when leaving the room.

Images
Grades
Grade 5
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Tue, 6 Dec 2022
Lesson / Activity
Bioplastic
Teacher Name
Juliet Unger
Students Count
55
Activity Description

5th grade students learned about the harmful long-term impacts of plastic on the environment. They learned about bioplastic and the benefits of using biodegradable materials. Students then made corn-based bioplastic.

Images
Grades
Grade 6
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Thu, 13 Oct 2022
Lesson / Activity
Recycling Awareness
Teacher Name
Juliet Unger
Students Count
44
Activity Description

6th grade students learned about what is and is not recyclable, how the recycling process works, and why it is important to recycle. Students made posters to put up around the school to spread awareness about why people should recycle and what is recyclable.

Images
Grades
Grade 7
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Thu, 16 Mar 2023
Lesson / Activity
Native and Invasive Species
Teacher Name
Jennifer Bowers
Students Count
28
Activity Description

7th grade students learned about native and invasive plants. Their task was to read clues about a plant and then answer questions to give that plant a watershed score. The scores indicated whether that plant was a native or invasive species. At the end of the lesson students discussed the plants on each list and what commonalities they noticed between native and invasive plants. Students identified that Black Eyed Susans are native to Maryland, so following this lesson they planted Black-Eyed Susan seeds.

Images
Grades
Grade 8
Class Name (3rd grade science, AP Biology)
Date
Thu, 3 Nov 2022
Lesson / Activity
Native Plants
Teacher Name
Juliet Unger
Students Count
32
Activity Description

8th graders learned about native plants and the importance of pollinators. Students then went outside and transplanted native plants to start a native pollinator garden.

Images

1.2 Green School Awareness

1.2.1 School Wide Awareness - Staff

Demonstrate that all school personnel are aware of the Green School status of your school and the application process.

Summary Description

All staff are aware that Holabird Academy is applying to become a Green School. The Green School application process has been communicated to the entire staff via email, in person, and through the school's staff newsletter.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Staff in Attendance
43
Meeting Description

The Green Schools application process was reviewed with the whole staff. Information was shared about what it means to be a Green School and the objectives that would need to be met with examples of documentation. Staff were given a link to a Google folder that was created so that everyone in the school could contribute to the process. The slide deck that was used to introduce the application process, professional development agenda, and sign in sheets are attached.

Images
Other Files

PD 1.23 Sustainability Slides (1.81 MB)

This is the slideshow that was presented at the whole-staff meeting on January 23rd to inform staff about the Green School Application Process and other sustainability updates.

2023-01-23_181338 (1.71 MB)

This sign-in sheet is for both the all-school awareness of our Green School application AND the professional development session.

Jan 23, 2023 PD Agenda (52.17 KB)

This was the professional development day agenda. This agenda includes time allotted for staff to be informed about the Green School's process as well as for the workshop provided by Great Kids Farm.

1.2.2 School-Wide Celebration

Demonstrate how your school celebrates beig a Green School by hosting a school-wide environmentally-focused event open to all students.

Summary Description

Our school embraces every opportunity to implement and celebrate sustainability. Some of our school-wide environmental events have included a Pumpkin Drive and a Lights Out Day. These events were celebrated throughout the entire school, involving both students and staff.

Grades
Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Other Grades
Date
Wed, 16 Nov 2022
Celebration / Event title
Pumpkin Drive Celebration
Event Description

[school-wide celebration led by individual teachers in their classrooms.....] This year students identified that they noticed a large quantity of rotting pumpkins throughout their neighborhood. The Green Team decided to host a school-wide pumpkin drive to collect and compost rotting pumpkins and raise awareness about the harmful effects of food waste. We set a goal to collect 40 pumpkins and met that goal! We held a pumpkin party for each student who brought in a pumpkin to celebrate that we met our goal.

Images
Grades
Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8
Other Grades
Date
Thu, 2 Feb 2023
Celebration / Event title
Lights Out Day
Event Description

The entire school participated in a "Lights Out Day" celebration to promote awareness about energy consumption and the impact people can have by proactively conserving energy. Students on the Green Team made "Energy Patrol" badges and reminded teachers and students throughout the building to turn their lights off and unplug unnecessary devices throughout the day. Our building has an energy dashboard which provides a daily report of how much energy is used in the building and for what purpose. the data provided by the energy dashboard on Lights Out Day showed a decrease of 400 kwh from the day before, which was a half day.

Images
Other Files

Lights Out Day Email (456.56 KB)

This is an email that was sent prior to Lights Out Day to remind teachers of the event and the purpose for it.

PD 1.23 Sustainability Slides (1.81 MB)

This was the slide-deck that was used to provide updates about the Green Schools application process to staff at a meeting on January 23rd. The 5th slide informed staff about the upcoming Lights Out Day.

Environmental Professional Development for Teachers

1.3.1 Environmental Professional Development for Teachers

Demonstrate that 10% of staff have completed an environmental PD. Instructional staff is defined as any staff that manages a gradebook.

  • New Schools must have all PD completed within the past 2 academic years.
  • Renewing schools must have all PD completed within the past 4 academic years.

A teacher who has participated in multiple workshops may only be counted once..

Summary Description

43 staff, of whom 26 were teachers, attended a professional development workshop led by Laura Menyuk from Baltimore City Public Schools' Great Kids Farm. This workshop focused on the benefits of Outdoor Learning.

Number of Teachers
26
Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Juliet Unger
Development Description

26 teachers attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows which staff members were in attendance at this professional development session.

Mental Health With Green Spaces (109.94 KB)

This is a presentation that a group of staff members developed during the professional development. Their group was given the task of explaining how being exposed to green spaces and outdoor learning opportunities can have a positive impact on mental health.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Jennifer Bowers
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Alex Terry
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Jania Lewis
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Sophia Thrappas
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Peter Schojan
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Abba Samson
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Shannon Garvey
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Alice Groves
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Brendan Mcfadden
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Alexandra Geer
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Bernard Redd
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Sarah Couture
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Melissa Morella
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Maya Alston
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Adilah Haris
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
David Carey
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Marquita Spicer
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Kelsey Catanzaro
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Lesley Canterbury
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Marck De La Cruz
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Matt Torsell
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Katie Webb
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Veloris Hess
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Katlyn Fincke
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Teacher
Karlie Surgeon
Development Description

All of the teachers listed attended and engaged in a 2 hour workshop developed and facilitated by Great Kids Farm. Teachers discussed the impacts of outdoor learning on students' social, emotional, and academic development. Teachers also made plans for how to proactively provides their students with more outdoor learning opportunities.

Other Files

PD 1.23 Sign In (1.71 MB)

This is the sign-in sheet which shows that this staff member was in attendance for the Great Kids Farm professional development workshop.

1.4 Achieving Sustainable Schools

1.4.1 School-Wide Staff Sustainability

Demonstrate the sustainability practices your teachers, staff, and other personnel have implemented school-wide to make your school green. Any actions involving students belong under Objective 2.

Behavior Change

Staff has committed to dramatically reducing the use of paper in school as an effort to be a more sustainable community. Teachers have transitioned to predominantly using Class Dojo as a method of communication with families. School administrators now send out a virtual newsletter and utilize Google Drive for documents such as lesson plans, professional development, sign-in sheets, etc. These efforts demonstrate our school's interest in being sustainable by making a school-wide commitment to reduce waste and conserve paper whenever possible.

Our school has also developed a Sustainability Curriculum and has integrated an Environmental Science and Sustainability Program. Almost every class has Sustainability built into their weekly schedule. This action demonstrates a school-wide behavior change because it provides almost every student in the school with the opportunity to specifically learn how to be more sustainable and why it is important.

Images
Other Files

Sustainability Photos and Work Samples (96.68 MB)

This is a slideshow that includes pictures of some of the sustainability curriculum lessons being taught.

1.4.2 Systemic Partnership

Demonstrate one partnership with a central office or board within the school system that supports part of the Maryland Green Schools Program. Any partnerships outside of your school system belong under Objective 3.

Summary Description

Holabird Academy collaborates regularly with Baltimore City Public Schools regarding our commitment to being a sustainable school. We have built a strong relationship with Great Kids Farm, Baltimore City Public Schools' farm, as well as the Office of Sustainability. These systemic partnerships have supported our efforts in providing students with outdoor learning and environmental education opportunities.

Images
Other Files

Holabird - MAEOE systemic partnership letter SY23 (185.81 KB)

This letter documents the collaboration between Holabird Academy and Baltimore City Public Schools' central office.

Student Action

Schools must document eight total actions that address at least three of the listed sustainability practices.

These are student actions not adult actions. Adult sustainable actions can be documented in Objective 1.4.

2.1 Water Conservation/Pollution Prevention

2.1 Water Conservation/Pollution Prevention

Date
Thu, 10 Nov 2022
Activity title
Retention Pond Observation and Care
Activity Description

Students learned about the purpose of retention ponds and went outside to observe the biotic and abiotic organisms in our school's retention ponds. Students noticed trash near and in the retention ponds and identified that the trash could cause increased water pollution. Students worked together to clean up trash in and around the area to prevent trash from entering or blocking drains.

Images
Date
Tue, 24 Jan 2023
Activity title
Reusable Water Bottles
Activity Description

Our school has water fountains with filling stations. These fountains encourage efficient water use by only filling up bottles when they are placed beneath the fountain. Students and staff throughout the building are encouraged to and regularly bring reusable water bottles which shows smart water use and decreases the amount of plastic bottles that are purchased and used at our school.

Images

2.2 Energy Conservation

2.2 Energy Conservation

Date
Thu, 19 Jan 2023
Activity title
Energy patrol
Activity Description

Students on the Energy Patrol regularly remind teachers and students to turn off or dim their lights and use natural lighting whenever possible.

Images
Date
Tue, 21 Feb 2023
Activity title
BGE Smart Energy Program
Activity Description

Students have been participating in the BGE Smart Energy Program. This program provides students with appliances, such as LED light bulbs and high efficiency showerheads, that will conserve energy and decrease families utility bills. Students learned about how Electricity works and the importance of conserving electricity. They then took the appliances home to install with their families.

Images

2.3 Solid Waste Reduction

2.3 Solid Waste Reduction

Date
Thu, 14 Apr 2022
Activity title
School-wide Composting
Activity Description

In 2021, the Green Team applied for a grant called the Green Healthy Smart Challenge to start a composting program at school. Our school was awarded $1,000 to purchase materials to start the program. Students built the compost tumbler and have since then been engaged in educating their peers about how to compost and have regularly collected compostable items to make their own compost. The compost will be ready to spread in the garden this Spring.

Images
Date
Tue, 21 Feb 2023
Activity title
Cafeteria Share Basket
Activity Description

Students have identified that excessive food waste in the cafeteria is a consistent problem. Students were frequently throwing produce away without eating any of it. Students started putting the food they did not want into a "share basket" so that other students could eat it instead of wasting it.

Images
Date
Thu, 19 Jan 2023
Activity title
Food Waste Reduction Advocacy - SB124
Activity Description

Maryland State Bill 124 advocates for there to be food waste reduction programs in schools. Students wrote letters to the governor to ask that he fund SB124. In their letters, students shared why composting is important and shared positive experiences of composting at Holabird.

Images
Videos
Date
Tue, 25 Oct 2022
Activity title
Recycling
Activity Description

Students on the Green Team made signs to put on and next to recycling bins throughout the school to remind the community to recycle. Each week Green Team members collected recycling from bins in classrooms to put into the recycling dumpster.

Images
Date
Mon, 20 Feb 2023
Activity title
Bulletin Board
Activity Description

The Student Government Association started a Sustainability Committee. At the first meeting they discussed environmental concerns at school. Their top concern was the amount of trash that was accumulating in the school garden area and playgrounds. Students decided to collect trash to use to create a bulletin board in the school's main hallway that would inspire others to not litter and pick up trash.

Images
Date
Wed, 1 Mar 2023
Activity title
Sneaker Upcycling
Activity Description

Students brought in old sneakers to send to a program that recycles shoes that might otherwise be thrown away.

Images

2.4 Habitat Restoration

2.4 Habitat Restoration

Date
Thu, 15 Sep 2022
Activity title
School Gardens
Activity Description

Students in Green Team and in Environmental Science classes collaborate to maintain the school's gardens.

Images

2.5 Opportunities for Nature Exploration

2.5 Opportunities for Nature Exploration

Date
Thu, 22 Sep 2022
Activity title
Outdoor Learning Spaces
Activity Description

Students and teachers utilize a variety of outdoor spaces that are conducive to outdoor learning. Our school has tables in our main garden area, a rooftop learning spaces, and benches around the outside of the school. All of these places encourage students to engage with their environment outside and embrace opportunities to take their learning outside.

Images
Date
Mon, 14 Nov 2022
Activity title
Rock Garden
Activity Description

Students wanted to beautify their garden space and decided to make a rock garden. Students painted and sealed rocks to add some color and creativity to the school garden. Students used the rocks to outline trees in the garden. This project creates a structure for environmental learning because it encourages students to take responsibility for and feel ownership over the community garden space.

Images
Date
Tue, 28 Feb 2023
Activity title
Raising chickens
Activity Description

Students were excited to engage in the process of hatching chicks and to create a space for the chicks to live at school. Students will be responsible for maintaining the chicken coop and taking care of the chickens. This is a structure for environmental learning because it provides students with an opportunity to learn about where food comes from, how to care for animals, and it encourages students to be outside in the garden to observe and take are of the chickens.

Images
Date
Fri, 21 Oct 2022
Activity title
Hexagon beds and tires
Activity Description

The school was provided with Hexagon Beds that were constructed by Baltimore City high school interns. Students used some of the hexagon beds to plant garlic and will use the remaining beds to plant herbs in the Spring. In 2021 a pile of tires was discovered close to Holabird. Students and staff members worked together to bring the tires to the school garden and repurpose them as flower beds.

Images

2.6 Responsible Transportation

2.6 Responsible Transportation

No records were added by the school.

2.7 Healthy Indoor Environments

2.7 Healthy Indoor Environments

Date
Mon, 13 Feb 2023
Activity title
Plants in Classrooms
Activity Description

Students on Green Team propagated Spider plants and Pilea plants to distribute to teachers throughout the building. These plants are excellent air purifiers so students encouraged teachers to take one or more plants in an effort to create healthier learning spaces.

Images

2.8 Citzen/Community/Participatory Science

2.8 Citizen/Community/Participatory Science

No records were added by the school.

Community Partnership

Demonstrate that your school is forming long-term partnerships to foster environmental stewardship and cultivate community wellness through real-world connections.

3.1 Community Partnerships

3.1.1 School Active in Community

Describe at least one environmentally-focused partnership in which your school is working to benefit your community.

Date
Tue, 19 Apr 2022
Partner name
Baltimore Compost Collective
Activity Description

Students went on a field trip to visit the Baltimore Compost Collective to learn about composting on a large scale and to engage in the composting process. After the field trip, one of the Baltimore Compost Collective employees came to Holabird to help improve the composting program at school.

Images
Date
Fri, 22 Apr 2022
Partner name
Blue Water Baltimore
Activity Description

On Earth Day in 2022, students on the Green Team attended an event hosted by Blue Water Baltimore to help clean up a local park. Students were so excited to participate and asked to return and continue to help clean up their city. Students will return for the Earth Day clean up hosted by Blue Water Baltimore in 2023.

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Videos
Date
Thu, 19 May 2022
Partner name
O'Donnell Heights Neighborhood
Activity Description

Middle school students identified that they noticed a significant amount of trash in the neighborhood around school. Home depot donated buckets so that students could walk around the neighborhood to clean up trash. Students did this multiple times and each time felt like they had a positive impact on their community.

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Date
Wed, 15 Mar 2023
Partner name
Marshy Point Nature Center
Activity Description

Green Team students went on two trips to Marshy Point Nature Center. They participated in a "Habitat Explorers" workshop during the first trip and helped clean up trails around the nature center during the second trip. This is an example of a sustained partnership where the school is active in the community because our school has visited multiple times and has engaged in civic work in collaboration with Marshy Point.

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3.1.2 Community Active in the School

Describe at least one partnership in which a community partner is benefitting the school. These actions and projects occur on or near school grounds with support from the partner.

Date
Thu, 15 Sep 2022
Partner name
ClearShark H2O
Activity Description

ClearShark H2O is an organization that provides educational programs that are meant to inspire students to learn about their impact on water and to enhance environmental literacy and stewardship. ClearShark has led programs with multiple grade levels at our school and has attended family events. This partnership has led to an improved school-wide awareness of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and the influence that humans have on local water health. This is an example of a sustained partnership because ClearShark has returned multiple times to provide as many opportunities as possible to students throughout the school.

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Date
Thu, 15 Sep 2022
Partner name
Fangs, Frogs, and More!
Activity Description

Fangs, Frogs, and More is an organization that provides children with the opportunity to learn about and how to care for reptiles. They frequently run workshops during the school's after school program and have attended family nights as well. This is a sustained partnership because they have provided a wide range of students on multiple occasions with the opportunity to learn about animals.

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Date
Mon, 23 Jan 2023
Partner name
Great Kids Farm
Activity Description

Great Kids Farm has been an active partner with Holabird Academy by providing support with planning the school garden, leading professional development, and facilitating educational workshops for multiple grade levels. This partnership has directly led to an enhanced school-wide initiative to be more sustainable and provide students with opportunities to develop their environmental literacy.

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3.2 Additional Achievements

3.2 Additional Achievements optional

Share any environmentally-related awards, special recognition, certifications, or other achievements that your school, staff or students have accomplished.

Date
Thu, 23 Sep 2021
Title of award
LEED Platinum Certification
Activity Description

Holabird Academy has been awarded the LEED Platinum certification which is the top

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