Two MCPS Schools Named National Green Ribbon Schools

April 23, 2013

Cedar Grove and Summit Hall elementary schools have been selected as recipients of the 2013 Green Ribbon Schools Award. They are among a total of 64 winning schools from across the nation.

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

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) also has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural District Sustainability Award, which recognizes school systems that demonstrate a comprehensive approach to sustainability. MCPS is one of 14 honorees. MCPS had the only schools and was the only district recognized from the state of Maryland.

“This award is a reflection of our commitment to foster healthy and productive learning environments, and our districtwide efforts to reduce the impact we have on the environment,” said Superintendent Joshua Starr. “Congratulations to the staff, students and community members whose efforts have led to this national recognition.”

MCPS has a comprehensive districtwide program to reduce the environmental footprint of its facilities, including recycling initiatives, energy conservation efforts and a commitment to green construction practices in all building projects.

Last year, Francis Scott Key Middle School in Silver Spring was one of 72 schools nationwide to be recognized by USDE as a Green Ribbon School.

Representatives from the winning schools will participate in a national awards ceremony on June 3. The Maryland recipients will also be recognized during the Maryland Green Schools Youth Summit sponsored by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education on May 31 at Sandy Point State Park in Anne Arundel County.

Read the U.S. Department of Education Release

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