Folger McKinsey, Benfield Earn Green School Recognition

Folger McKinsey Elementary recently earned its third green school certification, and Benfield Elementary earned it's second. In addition, six Anne Arundel County schools received green school recognition for the first time.

Six county schools have been added to the distinguished list of Maryland Green Schools, the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) announced on Friday.

Schools that earned first-time recognition were Edgewater, Lake Shore, Overlook, and Severn elementary schools, and Annapolis and Magothy River middle schools, according to a release.

In addition, five other schools earned either their second or third certifications. Folger McKinsey earned its third certification, while Benfield, Pasadena, South Shore, and Tyler Heights elementary schools were each certified for the second time.

The green school designation is earned over the course of about two years as schools establish an effective environmental program that includes getting the entire community involved in becoming more environmentally conscious. 

With 58 schools and centers now with green schools status, more than 48 percent of Anne Arundel County Public School facilities have completed the challenging process to earn the state’s highest recognition of environmental literacy.