Newport Mill Middle School has been selected as a recipient of the 2018 U.S. Green Ribbon Schools Award. Newport Mill is among 46 winning schools from across the nation.

The Green Ribbon Schools Award program, established in 2011, is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and recognizes schools for their innovative efforts to save energy, reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect health, foster wellness and offer environmental education to boost academic achievement and community engagement.

“Congratulations to the Newport Mill Middle School community,” said Superintendent Jack Smith. “It is the dedication and tireless efforts of their staff, students and families that has led to this national recognition and, as a district, we remain committed to fostering healthy and productive learning environments and reducing our impact on the environment.”

“I am extremely proud of the work our students, staff, and parent community do every day as they demonstrate an unwavering commitment to reduce environmental costs, promote student and staff wellness, and ensure our students are moved well along in their path to broad and deep environmental literacy by high school,” said Newport Mill Middle School principal Panagiota Tsonis.

Newport Mill was recently selected to be the recipient of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils “DON’T QUIT” fitness center designed specifically for middle school students. This $100,000 state-of-the-art fitness center has given students a chance to maximize their physical fitness workouts to reduce obesity and promote a healthy lifestyle, while providing an opportunity for the school to focus on wellness. In 2015, the school received the Maryland Green School Award in recognition of its efforts to build and sustain a green school culture. Students are involved in many environmental initiatives, including a Green Kids Outdoor classroom, a School Energy and Recycling Team, a schoolwide Science and Engineering Expo, Interdisciplinary Writing Assessments, PEPCO National Energy Education Development’s MakerFair, and EnviroScape lessons and stream study with the Audubon Naturalist Society.

Eight other Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) have received the national Green Ribbon Schools Award since its inception: William Tyler Page Elementary School and John Poole Middle School in 2017; Sligo Middle School in 2016; Northwest High School in 2015; Travilah Elementary School in 2014; Cedar Grove and Summit Hall elementary schools in 2013; and Francis Scott Key Middle School in 2012. MCPS also was selected as the recipient of the District Sustainability Award in 2013, which recognizes school systems that demonstrate a comprehensive approach to sustainability.

The 2018 Green Ribbon Schools Award was presented to 46 U.S. schools, six districts, and six postsecondary institutions.

U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools