At Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School, we wear our blue and green school colors, the colors of a healthy planet, as we engage in a growing range of activities to improve the environment of our school and community. Twelve years ago, we began our work as a Green School planting the seeds of an environmental program that has grown over time to engage our students, staff, and parents in a myriad of activities. This year we are proud that our work has helped us reach the Sustained Level of the Green School program.
Our program began by promoting paper recycling in our school. Blue trashcans were purchased for every classroom and office. Kindergarteners through fifth graders soon learned to responsibly dispose of a variety of products as our efforts expanded beyond paper goods. From the classroom to the cafeteria, we make it easy for students and staff to recycle lunch packaging with blue trash bins. Juice bag collection boxes and Waste Free Wednesdays have become a tradition. Our school uses biodegradable lunch trays and trash bags. Last year we were fifth among county schools in recycling our waste!
Groups of students volunteer their time and energy to numerous environmental projects. They collect, clean, and count juice pouches and glue sticks before mailing them to collection centers. They monitor classrooms’ energy use and recognize those who consistently turn off lights and equipment when not in use. They create signs, make announcements, and encourage the school to become more environmentally aware. Their enthusiasm and commitment is infectious.
Other projects helped to protect our school and improve habitats around the state. A school nature trail was renewed with student and community support. We have raised and released terrapins, trout, and blue gills. We grew Bay grasses and planted them in Gunpowder State Park. Each year fourth graders learn how Oyster Reef Balls improve the health of the Bay. Creating balls from concrete has become a much anticipated fourth grade tradition. A committed staff has written curriculum, attended conferences and devoted many years to instruction on protecting the Chesapeake Bay and the surrounding habitat. These efforts have led to a variety of opportunities for our students to have a direct and positive impact on the Bay.
In 2014 we branched out with a new focus on conserving water at school and at home. Students and their families identified ways they could save water. Their “raindrop” ideas combined to create a waterfall in the school foyer. The Fourth Grade Green Kids created posters to remind students and staff to limit water use at fountains and sinks. They also painted the school’s storm drains to remind the community that our drains lead to the Chesapeake Bay.
In 2012, a mural depicting the plants and animals living in the Chesapeake Bay was completed. Constructed of recycled materials, the mural displays the importance of water to the diversity of life around us. Incorporating recycled materials into art classes further strengthens the theme of conservation and protection of our resources.
The TRES PTA has long supported engaging performances that reinforce the environmental lessons our curriculum provides. Students and staff have enjoyed Billy B’s presentations on Biodiversity and Ways of the Bay, as well as, the program “Bash the Trash” which combined music, science, and environmental awareness using recycled musical instruments.
As the roots of our program grow stronger and deeper, TRES students have adopted many behaviors that demonstrate their concern for our environment. Our school and community have fully embraced the ideas inherent in becoming a Green School. We are committed to developing this awareness in our newest members, doing our part to protect the environment, and molding our learning community into conscientious stewards of the Earth.
Our program began by promoting paper recycling in our school. Blue trashcans were purchased for every classroom and office. Kindergarteners through fifth graders soon learned to responsibly dispose of a variety of products as our efforts expanded beyond paper goods. From the classroom to the cafeteria, we make it easy for students and staff to recycle lunch packaging with blue trash bins. Juice bag collection boxes and Waste Free Wednesdays have become a tradition. Our school uses biodegradable lunch trays and trash bags. Last year we were fifth among county schools in recycling our waste!
Groups of students volunteer their time and energy to numerous environmental projects. They collect, clean, and count juice pouches and glue sticks before mailing them to collection centers. They monitor classrooms’ energy use and recognize those who consistently turn off lights and equipment when not in use. They create signs, make announcements, and encourage the school to become more environmentally aware. Their enthusiasm and commitment is infectious.
Other projects helped to protect our school and improve habitats around the state. A school nature trail was renewed with student and community support. We have raised and released terrapins, trout, and blue gills. We grew Bay grasses and planted them in Gunpowder State Park. Each year fourth graders learn how Oyster Reef Balls improve the health of the Bay. Creating balls from concrete has become a much anticipated fourth grade tradition. A committed staff has written curriculum, attended conferences and devoted many years to instruction on protecting the Chesapeake Bay and the surrounding habitat. These efforts have led to a variety of opportunities for our students to have a direct and positive impact on the Bay.
In 2014 we branched out with a new focus on conserving water at school and at home. Students and their families identified ways they could save water. Their “raindrop” ideas combined to create a waterfall in the school foyer. The Fourth Grade Green Kids created posters to remind students and staff to limit water use at fountains and sinks. They also painted the school’s storm drains to remind the community that our drains lead to the Chesapeake Bay.
In 2012, a mural depicting the plants and animals living in the Chesapeake Bay was completed. Constructed of recycled materials, the mural displays the importance of water to the diversity of life around us. Incorporating recycled materials into art classes further strengthens the theme of conservation and protection of our resources.
The TRES PTA has long supported engaging performances that reinforce the environmental lessons our curriculum provides. Students and staff have enjoyed Billy B’s presentations on Biodiversity and Ways of the Bay, as well as, the program “Bash the Trash” which combined music, science, and environmental awareness using recycled musical instruments.
As the roots of our program grow stronger and deeper, TRES students have adopted many behaviors that demonstrate their concern for our environment. Our school and community have fully embraced the ideas inherent in becoming a Green School. We are committed to developing this awareness in our newest members, doing our part to protect the environment, and molding our learning community into conscientious stewards of the Earth.