In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, Catoctin High School (CHS) and Sabillasville Environmental School (SES) are making significant strides in promoting environmental consciousness among students and staff. Through innovative programs and community partnerships, both schools are setting the standard for what it means to be a Green School.
In the spring, both schools received green school status from the Maryland Association and Outdoor Education (MAEOE). The schools have to show several things in their application, including environmental curriculum, teacher professional development, the use of sustainable practices, and community partnerships with the intent to teach and foster sustainability.
Both schools currently operate a composting program in their cafeteria. This included purchasing a small refrigerator for unopened cold goods like milk and fruit, which are then made available for later use rather than wasted. Students also help teach their peers what can be placed in the compost bin, what can be recycled, and what is trash. By carefully weighing the trash, recyclables, and compostable materials, students have been able to see firsthand the impact of their efforts, as the amount of waste has decreased over time.
Beyond composting, CHS students are actively involved in local tree planting and invasive species removal projects. Some of these trees have been planted on the school campus, and students regularly monitor their growth. These activities not only beautify the school grounds but also provide valuable educational opportunities.
Looking ahead, Catoctin aims to deepen its collaboration with the Thurmont Green Team, potentially taking on the maintenance of community green spaces along the Trolley Trail.
With SES’s focus on agriculture and environmental education, gardening has become an integral part of the Sabillasville curriculum, with each class creating its own garden that ties into classroom learning. The recent installation of electricity and water in the school’s greenhouse has opened up even more possibilities for hands-on learning in the upcoming year.
Community involvement has been crucial to Sabillasville’s success. The revitalization of the Blue Bird trail, done in partnership with local groups and a Master Naturalist, has provided students with unique opportunities to learn about nature.
In addition to these ongoing initiatives, Sabillasville hosts monthly theme days focused on agriculture and the environment. These events, supported by community volunteers, have included Farm Day, Pollinator Day, and Farm to Table activities. Field trips to explore local ecosystems further enhance students’ understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
Becoming a Green School is no small feat. Brian Brotherton, teacher and advisor to the CHS Conservation Club, estimates he and his students spent about 30 hours completing the green school application. Both Catoctin and Sabillasville have faced challenges along the way, but the rewards have been well worth the effort. Kaitlyn Bartlett, president of CHS’s Conservation Club, emphasized the hard work involved in maintaining their Green School status. “It was not easy to achieve, and it’s a lot of work to maintain, but it is definitely worth it,” she said. “We are very proud of what we are doing, and it’s amazing to see how much work people have put into this.”
Barb Doney, a teacher at SES, echoed this sentiment, noting the support from the community as a crucial factor in their success. “Becoming a Green School was a very rewarding experience. We were able to reach out to our community groups to help us increase our knowledge on being ‘green’. We appreciate the support that was shown to our school during this process,” Doney remarked.
As these schools continue to lead by example, they hope to inspire others to embrace sustainability and take action in their own communities. The future is green, and CHS and SES are helping to pave the way.
Teacher and Conservation Club Advisor Brian Botherton poses with students of the Catoctin high School Conservation Club with their Green School Banner.
Principal Sheena Talley and teacher, Barbara Doney stand with Sabillasville Environmental School’s Green School Banner.
