Prince George's County Public Schools Boasts 135 "Green Schools"

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — This year, five Prince George's County Public Schools earned first-time "green school" certification and 26 schools were recertified, raising the total number of Green Schools to 135, which constitutes 65 percent of all schools systemwide and approximately 20 percent of the 680 active Maryland Green Schools.

“This program is especially important as we strive to become an eco-friendly, sustainable and energy-efficient school district,” Monica Goldson, chief executive officer of PGCPS, said. “The Green Schools program empowers students to work as a team, build problem-solving skills and advocate for the environment.”

Surrattsville High School, G. James Gholson and Benjamin Stoddert middle schools, C. Elizabeth Rieg Regional School and Imagine Foundations at Leeland Public Charter School earned Maryland Green School certification for the first time this year.

Schools must recertify every four years to maintain Green School status. High Point High School, John Hanson Montessori and Scotchtown Hills Elementary achieved Sustainable Bronze status this year for maintaining certification for 18 consecutive years.

Other schools earning recertification include:

• High schools – Charles Herbert Flowers, Friendly, International High School at Largo, Northwestern
• K-8/middle schools – Thurgood Marshall
• Elementary schools – Apple Grove, Baden, Carole Highlands, Chillum, Gaywood, Glassmanor, Greenbelt, Kenilworth, Melwood, Northview, Oxon Hill, Perrywood, Samuel Chase, Suitland, Templeton, Tulip Grove, Woodmore, Yorktown

Schools will be honored during the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education’s Annual Youth Summit May 26 at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. Schools will also receive a Maryland Green School flag, statewide and local recognition, and special gifts.