Summary
Hillcrest Elementary School was originally certified as a Green School in 2006 and successfully recertified in 2010 and 2014. We are proud of our continuing efforts as we maintain and expand our environmental learning and actions, while increasing our overall Environmental Literacy. The biggest accomplishment since our 2014 application is our healthy eating program we have initiated utilizing our organic vegetable beds. This project is a definite sign that the entire Hillcrest community has embraced the importance of environmental, outdoor education and healthy living. Students, staff, parents, and community partners work together to maintain our 7,000 sq.ft. courtyard that in addition to our organic garden beds, contains an expansive native perennial garden, rain garden, learning stations and sitting areas. This beautiful space is much more than an outdoor classroom, it is a relaxing, safe place for students to escape to for quiet reading time, a peaceful lunch with friends or meet in for after school activites. Since every student has a hand in the maintenance and harvest of the gardens, the courtyard is a source of a tremendous personal and school pride.
Hillcrest students and staff are working and learning together, taking action to protect the environment on both the global and local level. Students participate in school‐wide recycling and energy conservation efforts that teachers have connected to classroom curriculum. By participating in age‐appropriate lessons about ecology and environmental issues, the students in all grade levels are building the foundation for becoming environmentally literate citizens. Our new curriculum is centered around learning while solving real world problems. This has enhanced the ability of teachers to connect students to environmental issues while increasing their environmental literacy. Examples include solving local erosion issues, redesigning the Conowingo Dam to decrease sediment in the bay, and creating action plans to save endangered species. With the introduction of our school's Makers Lab, students can apply what they have learned about environmental issues into innovative and creative STEAM projects as they work to solve real world problems.
In an effort to integrate STEAM learning and Environmental Literacy, our faculty environmental team has redefined itself as the Innovation Team. This team won back to back, 21st Century Enrichment grants. In 2016, our "Harvesting a Healthy Hillcrest" grant initiated our Farm to Table program. In October 2017, we were awarded our "STEAM and Environmental Literacy" grant that focuses on renewable energy. Both grants reach beyond classroom instruction, providing PD for our teachers and special events for Hillcrest families.
Our partnerships have created a school community that allows us to give our students experiences that reach beyond the classroom. With the help of our PTA, local watershed organizations, local Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists, service providers and businesses, students apply what they have learned in the classroom to their local community and watershed, becoming future environmental advocates.
The entire Hillcrest community is extremely proud of our accomplishments over the past 16 years as a Green School. We are proud of and equally inspired by our plans for future projects, instruction, and partnerships. Our integration of STEAM and environmental literacy has opened exciting doors for our teachers and students. We are proud to be concluding our 16th year in this process with new energy and inspiration.
Hillcrest students and staff are working and learning together, taking action to protect the environment on both the global and local level. Students participate in school‐wide recycling and energy conservation efforts that teachers have connected to classroom curriculum. By participating in age‐appropriate lessons about ecology and environmental issues, the students in all grade levels are building the foundation for becoming environmentally literate citizens. Our new curriculum is centered around learning while solving real world problems. This has enhanced the ability of teachers to connect students to environmental issues while increasing their environmental literacy. Examples include solving local erosion issues, redesigning the Conowingo Dam to decrease sediment in the bay, and creating action plans to save endangered species. With the introduction of our school's Makers Lab, students can apply what they have learned about environmental issues into innovative and creative STEAM projects as they work to solve real world problems.
In an effort to integrate STEAM learning and Environmental Literacy, our faculty environmental team has redefined itself as the Innovation Team. This team won back to back, 21st Century Enrichment grants. In 2016, our "Harvesting a Healthy Hillcrest" grant initiated our Farm to Table program. In October 2017, we were awarded our "STEAM and Environmental Literacy" grant that focuses on renewable energy. Both grants reach beyond classroom instruction, providing PD for our teachers and special events for Hillcrest families.
Our partnerships have created a school community that allows us to give our students experiences that reach beyond the classroom. With the help of our PTA, local watershed organizations, local Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists, service providers and businesses, students apply what they have learned in the classroom to their local community and watershed, becoming future environmental advocates.
The entire Hillcrest community is extremely proud of our accomplishments over the past 16 years as a Green School. We are proud of and equally inspired by our plans for future projects, instruction, and partnerships. Our integration of STEAM and environmental literacy has opened exciting doors for our teachers and students. We are proud to be concluding our 16th year in this process with new energy and inspiration.