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The City Schools sustainability plan identifies the key areas that City Schools will focus on in the coming years. The plan is tied to the district’s Blueprint for Success and the sustainability policy and is an important part of making our schools engaging, exciting, and healthy places to teach and learn. Read below for resources related to each goal in the plan. Together, we can make Baltimore a cleaner, greener place to learn, work, and live. For questions or more information, contact green@bcps.k12.md.us.
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City Schools buys electricity generated at a solar “farm” in Howard County, which lowers the cost of electricity at 13 schools.
City Schools curricula will meet Next Generation Science Standards and Maryland Environmental Literacy Standards. Through teacher training, partnerships with area environmental organizations, and updated curricula, students learn about the natural environment, their role within it, and ways to take action to preserve and protect it.
Americans spend almost ninety percent of their lives indoors, and for our students, teachers and staff, that means many hours inside school buildings. Schools can promote the well-being of students and staff and provide school spaces that are conducive to learning. By connecting students to opportunities outside, both on school grounds and beyond, City Schools brings to life the research that shows the positive effects of nature on academics, mental health, and physical health.
City Schools is working to reduce its impact on the environment and save money by conserving energy and natural resources. Through simple steps and by engaging staff and students, we can eliminate utility waste. Each of us – students, teachers, administrators, cafeteria staff, and custodians – are responsible for this work. City Schools manages energy purchases, monitors all utilities (electricity, fuel oil, natural gas, water/sewer), upgrades equipment, advises on new school construction, and educates school communities.
Schoolyards that are green and have spaces for physical activity, peaceful reflection, outdoor classrooms, and exploration can improve academic outcomes and the mental and physical health of students and staff. In addition, green schoolyards promote good storm water management practices.
Schools can engage their full community – including students, teachers, staff, families, and partners – to promote environmental education and reduce City Schools’ impact on the environment. Students who are actively involved in their education often share their enthusiasm with their families; in turn, greening activities can be effective at involving parents at school. Sustainability supports City Schools Family and Community Engagement Policy.
City Schools and partners encourage and support youth to be leaders on environmental issues through in-school and out-of-school opportunities. Through school grants, internships, summer jobs, and more, students will learn valuable leadership and work skills, as well as better understand the green economy.