Charles elementary school honored for green practices

J.C. Parks Elementary School in Indian Head was recognized Wednesday as one of two Maryland schools to win the 2015 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Award.

The school's previous nomination was announced March 23 in a Maryland State Department of Education news release along with Northwest High School in Montgomery County. J.C. Parks science teacher Deanna Wheeler coordinated the school's application.

Both J.C. Parks and Northwest, and the Howard County public school system, which won the district-level award in Maryland, are part of a total of 81 schools, school districts, colleges and universities to receive this year's national award, a school system news release states.

Schools are selected for their fulfillment of three pillars — reduction of environmental impact and costs, improvement of the health and wellness of students and staff, and providing effective environmental and sustainability education incorporating STEM, civic skills and green career pathways.

In addition to various measures implemented to reduce energy use and waste at their school, J.C. Parks staff and students in the last five years constructed a wetland area, meadows, rain gardens, forested areas and an arboretum — all known as outdoor classrooms.

This year marks the first time a Charles County school has received the Green Ribbon Schools Award; the program is in its fourth year.

J.C. Parks Principal Thadine Wright wants to see her school's environmental strides become a part of the Parks culture.

"I am very honored that we've been selected for this award. It's my expectation for our school that we continue this," Wright said.

The office of U.S. Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md., 5th), in a release Wednesday, wrote that GRS award winners will be honored in a national ceremony in Washington, D.C., in July.