On Gunston’s 32-acre campus, spring has arrived, and the campus is turning a deep shade of green. As a school, Gunston continues to “go green” as well. The school’s Environmental Club and its advisors are pleased to announce that Gunston has formally submitted our reapplication for our “Maryland Green School” certification awarded by the Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Educators.
This comprehensive application process has engaged students, faculty and staff this year. Every academic department and individual faculty member has evaluated their curricula and added environmental units (a 20% increase since our initial application in 2011). Meanwhile, Gunston students have spearheaded efforts to reduce the school’s production of solid waste, reduce and conserve energy, improve wildlife habitat on campus, and increase the health of the school community. “The application has given us time to recognize and celebrate our accomplishments, both past and present, ” remarked Assistant Head Christie Grabis.
The application process has been lead by Emily Beck, Gunston’s Sustainability Coordinator and Director of the Bay Studies program. Please view the completed application in website form at www.gunston.weebly.com. “The application is a collaborative effort and I offer my thanks to those who help in ways large and small” said Beck.
The reapplication process supports the work of the school’s Environmental Strategic Planning Committee. Gunston’s recent Strategic Plan has charged the school with the goal to “Develop Gunston’s role as a Regional and National leader for Environmental Teaching and Learning.” As a strategy, the plan outlines that the school will: Create and implement an “Environmental Strategic Plan” that seeks to maximize Gunston’s unique Chesapeake Bay location. Emily Beck will be coordinating the efforts of the Committee through the summer.
Headmaster John Lewis notes, “The Green School application process is rigorous and comprehensive, but it is deeply valuable in guiding and supporting Gunston’s efforts to becoming a more sustainable school. What’s most impressive about our application is that a significant part of it was coordinated and completed by our students. Congratulations to them, and to Emily Beck for her overall leadership of the process.”
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