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Thanks to all who joined us this year at the 2018 MAEOE Conference. Every year, I leave the conference with so many new ideas and new friends. I feel reinvigorated for environmental education in Maryland.
Time has flown this year and I cannot believe how many schools have posted their 100th day picture of school this week! It is hard to imagine that February is halfway over and March is right around the corner!
March is my favorite time of the year at MAEOE. Every day as the March 17th deadline for the Green Schools and Green Centers application approaches, I become more and more anxious to see what our Schools and Centers are doing. This is an exciting year for the program, we have hit a new record of 190 intent to apply notices! I cannot wait to learn about how schools/centers are improving their environment in and around their buildings and communities. I hope you will join me at one of the review days to see for yourself all the things occurring at MAEOE MD Green Schools and Green Centers.
I look forward to seeing you at a Green School/Center review in the upcoming weeks,
Christina Gladmon
Associate Director
| MAEOE Maryland Green School and Green Centers Information |
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Important Dates:
March 17, 2018: Application Deadline
May 31, 2018: MAEOE Youth Summit and Green School Awards Ceremony |
Applications for the 2017/2018 Maryland Green School Applications are due March 17th.
Below are some tips on how to submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email within 8 days of your submission. If you do not receive this confirmation, please send an email to greenschools@maeoe.org.
When submitting your application, please do not forget the cover sheet. The cover sheet must be filled out, signed, and submitted with your application. Please be sure to read and check the correct responses to the clauses above the principal's signature. The Green Schools cover sheet can be found here. Lastly, do not forget to input your metrics into the survey. The metrics survey can be found here. On the metrics survey, do not forget to include your top five achievements. The top five achievements should be brief bullet points and will be read at the 2018 Youth Summit during your award ceremony.
Is your application ready to be submitted? There are few options:
For web-designed applications (includes Google Docs, Weebly, Prezi, etc.): Please send your web link and cover sheet to applications@maeoe.org. The cover sheet should be a separate attachment from your application so that it may be printed out. When using Google Docs, please make sure you share the link publically, otherwise reviewers will not be able to open it.
For applications on a disk/usb drive: Please drop off your media drive to one of our many drop off locations. To see the different locations, please click here.
All applications can also be mailed to the MAEOE office at 10015 Old Columbia Road, Suite B-215, Columbia, MD 21046.
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Green School Application Reviewing
MAEOE needs your help!! Each application that we receive is reviewed three times. Please consider volunteering to do this. If you have never reviewed applications, there will be a brief training on site the day of your review.
- Please be sure to bring lunch and a laptop.
- All applications are electronic.
- The review session times vary. You are not obligated to stay for an entire 6 hour session. Simply sign up for a specific date and stay as long as you are able.
- There will be snacks and coffee
March 20: MAEOE Office, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM, 10015 Old Columbia Rd, B-215, Columbia 21046
March 21:Bonnie F. Johns Education Media Center, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 8437 Landover Rd, Hyattsville, 20785
March 26: Arlington Echo, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 975 Indian Landing Rd, Millersville, 21108
March 27: Black Hill Nature Center, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 20926 Lake Ridge Dr, Boyds, 20841
March 28: Ward Museum of Waterfowl Art, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM, 909 S. Schumaker Dr, Salisbury, 21804
March 29: Chesapeake College, HEC 115, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM, 1000 College Cir, Wye Mills, 21679
April 3: Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, 700 Otter Point Rd, Abingdon, 21009
April 5: Masonville Cove, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 1000 Frankfurst Ave, Baltimore, 21226
To sign up please click here and choose your available. |
New to Reviewing Green School Applications?
Never reviewed Green School applications before? Why not join us for a hour long webinar that will go over the basics of reviewing? At the review day, you will be paired with an experience reviewer. Webinar information will be emailed to you.
Dates: March 7, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM or March 13, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Register here: https://goo.gl/forms/K8n9yk3Vr4o21V4m1 |
Professional Development Opportunities From Our Partners
The requirement for the Green School Application states that 10% of all your teachers need to have professional development. The requirement for the Green Center Application is that 50% of the staff have professional development.
More opportunities from our partners:
- Teaching Children Outdoors: Project Wild (Two part workshop): February 22/23, 3:30 PM - 6:45 PM
- Learning Gardens and Learning Landscapes: Connecting Young People to Nature (Webinar): February 27, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
- Taking Nature Black: February 28, 8:30 - 6:00 PM
- The Woods in Your Backyard Online Course: March 7, Online
- Fisheries & Communities: Perspectives, Policy, and Preservation: March 8, 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
To see more opportunities and to learn more information about the above events check out the MAEOE calendar by clicking here!
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Thank you to all who attended the 2018 MAEOE Conference!
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What an inspirational weekend! From engaging speakers like this year's Keynote Juan Martinez, to learning about reaching non-traditional audiences and communities with panelists Susie Creamer, Randy Rowel, and Joe Mornini, moderated by Sarah Anderson, to attending all the workshops and sessions, participants walk away from the conference with so many new resources and ideas to use.
The Conference Committee will be meeting to debrief and to start planning for next year.
If you would like to be part of the 2019 committee please email the office, conference@maeoe.org
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Annual MAEOE Youth Summit & MD Green School/Center Awards Ceremony
Save the date!
May 31, 2018, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sandy Point State Park
Help to plan this year's Youth Summit, contact greenschools@maeoe.org
Details to follow
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 Stormwater Management Lesson Plans for Grades 3-12
Stormwater runoff is water that originates during precipitation events and flows over the land. It can pick up sediment, pollutants, and debris as it moves. The water quality of rivers, streams, lakes and ponds are adversely impacted by contaminated stormwater runoff. Recent developments in stormwater management include a set of site level best management practices (BMPs) that capture and store stormwater runoff while filtering out sediment, pollutants and debris. These practices can be implemented by students, teachers and families on school grounds and at home. The lesson plans in this document introduce students to the important concepts in science, technology, and environment systems related to stormwater runoff and water quality. Click here for more info.
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NWF: Learning About Forests (LEAF) Pathway
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Learning about Forests (LEAF) is a Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) program. In existence since 1999, it is currently in 23 countries across the globe and reaching 550,000 students. Learning about Forests aims to increase knowledge about the key role forests play in sustaining life on our planet through outdoor and classroom learning. While the focus of the LEAF programs is on tree-based ecosystems, the skill and knowledge acquired can be applied to any environment on earth. The program looks at all functions of a forest – ecological, economic, social and cultural. What LEAF ultimately strives for is to enable future generations to not only make environmentally sustainable and informed decisions in their lives, but also offers them the opportunity to rediscover the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
National Wildlife Federation is the host organization of LEAF in the United States. Here in the U.S. LEAF will be run as a pathway of sustainability under the Eco-Schools USA program. Schools will follow the same seven-step guided framework and will be able to apply for awards under the Eco-Schools award structure. As well, schools can receive a LEAF certificate of achievement.
Information and resources for the LEAF Pathway can now be found here.
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Feathered Friend Lessons
Engaging science lessons brought to you by your local birds!
Our friends at Pennington Wild Birds are working with us to educate and engage children in the pleasures of feeding and watching birds. This free download is perfect for elementary educators. These easy-to-use and fun activities will help you teach science content year-round through your local birds. To access the lessons click here.
We also invite educators to get a free Pennington Window Bird Feeder to support kids in observing birds at your school or organization. Note: $6 shipping applies and we can only send the feeders to schools and educational non-profit addresses, not residential addresses (as determined by UPS).
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| Maryland Green Centers |
When is the last time you said "Hello!" to your local Green Center? Green Centers have resources for your school like materials, professional development, programming that supports your curriculum, and the list goes on! Check out what some of our Green Centers are doing:
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School Energy and Recycling Team (SERT), Montgomery County
The SERT Team has been seen in and around schools helping them with their Green School Initiatives. They have done in-classroom hands on lessons, PD for teachers, and even helped schools with their applications! |
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Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Education Center,
Charles County
Educators visited CCPS to teach students about birds! Nanjemoy staff work with local schools in Charles County to do in school programs and on-site programs. |
Click here to find your local Green Center!
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Below is information about events and "Green" holidays coming up. If your school plans a school-wide activity for one of the Green holidays you can use this for your MD Green School application under section 1.4. Look for ** for events to use on your MD Green School application.
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Save used milk and juice cartons.
Repurpose them to design an innovative garden creation.
Share your project with us and be entered to WIN up to $5,000 for your school garden.
Deadline April 16th.
Learn more here!
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The Family & Youth Casting Call is an annual free event sponsored each spring by DOEE's Fisheries & Wildlife Division. DOEE provides fishing instruction, environmental education activities, and community resources to youth aged 15 and under and their families.
Click here for more information!
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Earth Hour**
Around the globe, millions of people, businesses, and landmarks set aside an hour to host events, switch off their lights, and make noise for climate change action.
This year Earth Hour is at 8:30pm on 24 March 2018.
More information: https://www.earthhour.org/
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| Summer Opportunities for Teachers and Students |
High School Teachers Spread the Word to Your Students:
Natural Resources Careers Camp (NRCC)
Join high school students from across Maryland at this week-long camp in Garrett County to explore careers and college studies in natural resources. This partnership with Allegany College of Maryland and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources-Forest Service offers high school students a co-educational opportunity to learn from industry professionals and develop contacts that could lead to future employment and a career in natural resources. Scholarships are available.
http://www.marylandforestryboards.org/nrcc.cfm
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Each fall, monarch butterflies from the U.S. and Canada begin a 2,000 mile migration to Mexico. The following spring, their great grandchildren return. This summer, an exciting opportunity for teachers and butterfly enthusiasts is coming to Maryland. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, naturalist, gardener or simply a lover of butterflies, “Teaching and Learning with Monarch Butterflies” will help you gain knowledge, skills, and confidence in raising monarch caterpillars and butterflies. This two-day workshop will provide a meaningful, hands-on learning experience with an interdisciplinary approach of combining science, gardening, art, geography, literacy, math, technology, Mexican culture and more.
Learn more and sign up here.
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Thanks to our sponsors
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In This Issue
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2017-2018 Green School Dates
Green School Reveiw
School Tip: Growing Plants Indoors
Professional Development Opportunities
MAEOE Events: Conference and Annual Youth Summit
Did you know? Resources for Teachers
Member Corner
Project Learning Tree
Grant Opportunities
Upcoming Events
Follow MAEOE
Follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts for the latest information about professional development opportunities, job announcements, and Green Schools deadlines.
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Tip of the Month: Growing Plants Indoors in the Winter
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Did you know that indoor plants can help with indoor air quality? Here are some tips to make sure your plants thrive in the winter time:
1. Adjust your watering routine. Heat from furnaces can dry out the air. Group plants together to help combat this.
2. Most plants need to be close to a sunny window. Eastern exposure is best.
3. Rotate your plant so that they do not lean too much towards the light. Also do not allow the leaves to touch the glass, otherwise it could damage them.
For more tips click here.
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| MEMBER CORNER |
Member Survey
We want to hear from you! The 2018 Member Survey will help us to serve you more effectively.
To take the survey:
http://bit.ly/2GCVt0R
Participants taking the survey will be entered into a drawing for 50% of the 2019 conference.
Thanks for your feedback!
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You're invited to the March Board Meeting!
All members of MAEOE are invited to attend the March Board meeting,Thursday, March 15th, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm at MAEOE office*. Agenda will be posted soon. Come be a part of this month's meeting along with your Board of Trustees, Executive Director and staff.
We encourage you to attend to see how your organization works, and perhaps you will be encouraged to join one of our committees to help us achieve our goals and better meet the needs of those we serve. Committees meet periodically throughout the year to plan and create.
Please RSVP here.
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Eco - Schools USA
The newest edition of the Eco-Schools Newsletter was just published. Check it out to learn about the Craig Tufts Educational Scholarship, Winter in a Schoolyard Habitat, Young Reporters for the Environment, and such much more. To access the newsletter click here.
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Green Leaders Training
Are you interested in assisting a school or more with Sustainable Schools activities or helping a school build a green team?
Do you have experience putting together a green school application? Sign-up to be a Green Leader! Explore the Green Leader Page here.
Consider attending the training webinar "How to Review Green School Applications." We are offering two sessions:
March 7, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
March 13, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
To register:
https://goo.gl/forms/THA7sTGqklIczQPx1
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PLT Corner
Do you love the forests in Maryland and want to share an innovative, inclusive, and meaningful way to inspire the next generation to think critically about them? Then PLT is for you. Project Learning Tree Maryland is pleased to offer a workshop at the MAEOE office in Columbia on Saturday, March 24th (http://www.cvent.com/d/ytqvm6).
New workshops are available from PLT including 3 new E-Units that can be facilitated by an instructor for a hybrid training incorporating new concepts in areas like carbon and climate. Did you know that successful completion of a PLT workshop makes you eligible to seek a Green Works Grant for your school or facility?
If you are interested in taking your training a step further, a facilitators workshop on Monday, April 23rd is being offered at the DNR Tawes building in Annapolis. Register here.
Stay up to date on news relating to Maryland’s forests, environmental education, and exciting programming around the state by liking and following Project Learning Tree Maryland on Facebook. We look forward to seeing you at a workshop soon!
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| Grant Opportunities |
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2018 USFS Pollinator/ Community Garden
The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), with major funding support from US Forest Service (USFS), is offering a little over $10,700 through mini-grants to facilitate Pollinator Garden and/Community Garden activities. Awarded grantees will be expected to facilitate the development of educational and conservation activities on local Forest Service lands, other partner public lands, local and municipal public lands, or on lands within urban communities. Programming should connect participants to urban forests and nature-based spaces: meeting people where they are. These activities will be accomplished by mobilizing community volunteers and educating participants about the importance of their actions and their relationship to the long-term sustainability of the lands.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11:59 PM EST, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2018
Average Award Amount: Applicants can request up to $3,000. Awarded amounts will vary based on the scope and cost of work proposed by each applicant, quality of the submissions, and the review and selection process. http://bit.ly/2stnqWb
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EPA EE Local Grant
The EPA will award Local Grants towards environmental education projects in communities throughout EPA's ten Regions. Each grant will be between $50,000 and $100,000, and 30-35 grants will be awarded. Applications are due on March 15, 2018. According to EPA.gov, "Each grant addresses one or more environmental issue, and an educational priority such as teacher training, educational advancement, or career development." http://bit.ly/1nJmTqW
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