Certified Maryland Green School
Magothy Cooperative Preschool became the first preschool program in Maryland to become a MAEOE certified Green School in 2011. We work to maintain this certification through our practices, curriculum, parent education, community involvement and by providing natural habitat in our Outdoor Classroom.
Since 1999, the Maryland Green Schools Program, administered by the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE), has recognized Maryland schools and nature centers that:
• through curriculum and instruction to provide opportunities to study environmental issues and outdoor education experience.
• provide opportunities for professional development and community celebration to recognize green achievements
• involvement with the community through projects and partnerships that address local environmental issues.
• model environmental best management practices in the operation, design, and maintenance of the school building and grounds.
“MAEOE encourages, educates, supports, and inspires Maryland educators to build a citizenry that understands and is responsibly engaged in advancing sustainability to address human needs and to conserve the Earth’s natural resources”-excerpt from www.maeoe.org
Our students help the environment by:
- Using rain barrels to water the native plant garden that surrounds the enclosed portion of our Outdoor Classroom.
- Visiting our wooded Nature Trails with birdhouses, a bug hotel, walking logs and story circle.
- Maintaining a butterfly garden.
- Growing vegetables in our garden barrels.
- Observing native animals in our indoor science center and outdoor natural environments.
- Teaching students how to properly recycle and compost.
- Encouraging families to conserve, reuse and refuse.
- Coming together as a community to celebrate the seasons.
- Exploring and observing in our hands-on science area filled with natural items and magnifying glasses.
- Making art from used materials.
- Supporting the wildlife by feeding, providing nesting materials and birdhouses for the birds.