Press Release: Two Maryland Schools, One System Nominated For National Green Ribbon Honor

Federal Program In Its Fourth Year

For Immediate Release                      Contact: Bill Reinhard, 410-767-0486

Baltimore, MD (March 23, 2015)

The Maryland State Department of Education today nominated two schools and one local school system for the U.S. Department of Education’s 2015 Green Ribbon Schools (GRS) Award.

The two schools nominated are: Northwest High School (Montgomery County Public Schools) and J. C. Parks Elementary School (Charles County Public Schools).  The Howard County Public School System was nominated for the district award.  All applications for the award were evaluated by a committee comprised of staff from State and national government agencies, State and regional environmental organizations, and private businesses.

“Maryland schools have been at the leading edge in their commitment to environmental education and to practices that will sustain our world for future generations,” said State Superintendent Lillian M. Lowery.  “These nominees represent the great work taking place throughout our State.”

Education agencies in 41 states and territories, in collaboration with the U.S Department of Education, are participating in the fourth year of the GRS award program.  Maryland schools have received national honors during each year of the program.

Federal officials will recognize 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. The recognition award is part of a larger U.S. Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about practices proven to result in improved student engagement, academic achievement, graduation rates, and workforce preparedness, as well as a government-wide aim to increase energy independence and economic security.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is scheduled to announce the recipients of the GRS awards on Earth Day, April 22.

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