The New "Greener-ation"-
Our Student-Driven Best Management Practices
Water Conservation and Water Pollution Prevention
Our commitment to preserving our most precious natural resource is reflected in our partnerships with Baltimore Eco-systems, Blue Water Baltimore, Baltimore Office of Sustainability, and Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Students have collected data for Baltimore Eco Systems by monitoring local water samples and pervious surfaces. (see detailed description of these activities in the attached 2013 Sustainability -Water Conservation report. Students, parents, and teachers have worked with Blue Water Baltimore in the planning of a rain garden and, subsequently winning an $8,000 grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust for the initial design phase.
For the past two years, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation has provided our students with both instruction and a boating field trip at the Inner Harbor. Each year, students learn about the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, the urban water cycle, and the effects of run-off and impervious surfaces with the assistance of resources from Project WET, Baltimore Eco-Systems, Blue Water Baltimore, and The Chesapeake Bay Foundation. (see further documentation in Environmental Issue Instruction, Community Partnerships, and Awards and special recognition)
Additionally, Independence School Local 1 High was a recipient of the Governor’s pilot program (Governor's Explore and Restore Your Schoolshed Partnership)as a way to encourage expansion of rigorous stream studies leading to action projects in Maryland Schools. Participants help refine activities and to generate additional interest in engaging students in investigating and restoring local streams. Professional development, instructional materials, and access to technical assistance were provided. Also, Independence School received $1,000.00 to be used toward stream survey equipment and other educational materials. A stream survey of the Stoney Run will be conducted in May 2014 to be followed by a stream cleanup of the area. Our Citizen Science findings will be mapped with Fieldscope and posted online. (documentation posted in PD and Community Partnership section)
Our commitment to preserving our most precious natural resource is reflected in our partnerships with Baltimore Eco-systems, Blue Water Baltimore, Baltimore Office of Sustainability, and Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Students have collected data for Baltimore Eco Systems by monitoring local water samples and pervious surfaces. (see detailed description of these activities in the attached 2013 Sustainability -Water Conservation report. Students, parents, and teachers have worked with Blue Water Baltimore in the planning of a rain garden and, subsequently winning an $8,000 grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust for the initial design phase.
For the past two years, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation has provided our students with both instruction and a boating field trip at the Inner Harbor. Each year, students learn about the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, the urban water cycle, and the effects of run-off and impervious surfaces with the assistance of resources from Project WET, Baltimore Eco-Systems, Blue Water Baltimore, and The Chesapeake Bay Foundation. (see further documentation in Environmental Issue Instruction, Community Partnerships, and Awards and special recognition)
Additionally, Independence School Local 1 High was a recipient of the Governor’s pilot program (Governor's Explore and Restore Your Schoolshed Partnership)as a way to encourage expansion of rigorous stream studies leading to action projects in Maryland Schools. Participants help refine activities and to generate additional interest in engaging students in investigating and restoring local streams. Professional development, instructional materials, and access to technical assistance were provided. Also, Independence School received $1,000.00 to be used toward stream survey equipment and other educational materials. A stream survey of the Stoney Run will be conducted in May 2014 to be followed by a stream cleanup of the area. Our Citizen Science findings will be mapped with Fieldscope and posted online. (documentation posted in PD and Community Partnership section)
2013_sustainability_report-_water_conservation.doc | |
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As explained in the paragraphs above, students put what they learn into action. For example, ten eleventh grade students created models of the urban water cycles for their Independent Science Research (2012-2013 SY)- see picture above. Five of these students presented their models at Greenscape 2013. (see photo above left and video in Celebration section). Students regularly clean the school yard of litter (see photo at left). Additionally two eleventh students accompanied two teachers to the Blue Water Baltimore Storm Drain Stenciling Workshop on 6/11/2013. Eight students will be painting drains around the community in May 2014. Jonathon and Travon, the students who attended the workshop, will assist in training other members of the Student Green Team. (see documentation of BWB workshop in Community Partnership section)
Energy Conservation
Independence has worked hand in hand with the Office of Sustainability and staff from Baltimore Energy Challenge to provide staff development, launch school and community wide energy awareness programs, and to promote conservation practices at Independence.
Over the last two years students have participated in the Baltimore Energy Challenge, an effort sponsored by Baltimore Office of Sustainability. The goal of the program is to encourage school communities to think about the energy they use. For the teachers and students this has meant being conscious about heat and air conditioning use in the classrooms. Teachers and students discussed the costs of raising or lowering the thermostat a few degrees. Students on the Green Team placed stickers over the light switches in each classroom to remind people to turn off the light when they are not in use. Teachers were also reminded to turn off power strips at the end of the day. Eight Green Team students created a poster to invigorate the challenge (2/4/14) and formalized a student-led Energy Patrol (one student per grade level). They are responsible for checking off the Energy Audit end-of the day door hangers and are responsible for reminding teachers throughout the day about their energy use. (see sample student sign-in sheets and sample door hanger below)
This year, Independence participated in the city-wide Energy Challenge Competition. (see our sample read out below) The competition dovetailed nicely with the Student Green Team's mission to promote environmental awareness both within and without school.
Last year, students worked with BEC and Ms. Virtudes to launch a door-knocking campaign in the surrounding Hampden Community, giving out energy saver kits, collecting pledges, and raising awareness on saving energy and cutting costs. (see student pledge forms and Baltimore Energy Challenge Grant Report 2013)
Independence also uses school events such as student Exhibitions and PTO to educate parents and to distribute energy saver kits. (see sample energy kits and sample pledges below)
Independence has worked hand in hand with the Office of Sustainability and staff from Baltimore Energy Challenge to provide staff development, launch school and community wide energy awareness programs, and to promote conservation practices at Independence.
Over the last two years students have participated in the Baltimore Energy Challenge, an effort sponsored by Baltimore Office of Sustainability. The goal of the program is to encourage school communities to think about the energy they use. For the teachers and students this has meant being conscious about heat and air conditioning use in the classrooms. Teachers and students discussed the costs of raising or lowering the thermostat a few degrees. Students on the Green Team placed stickers over the light switches in each classroom to remind people to turn off the light when they are not in use. Teachers were also reminded to turn off power strips at the end of the day. Eight Green Team students created a poster to invigorate the challenge (2/4/14) and formalized a student-led Energy Patrol (one student per grade level). They are responsible for checking off the Energy Audit end-of the day door hangers and are responsible for reminding teachers throughout the day about their energy use. (see sample student sign-in sheets and sample door hanger below)
This year, Independence participated in the city-wide Energy Challenge Competition. (see our sample read out below) The competition dovetailed nicely with the Student Green Team's mission to promote environmental awareness both within and without school.
Last year, students worked with BEC and Ms. Virtudes to launch a door-knocking campaign in the surrounding Hampden Community, giving out energy saver kits, collecting pledges, and raising awareness on saving energy and cutting costs. (see student pledge forms and Baltimore Energy Challenge Grant Report 2013)
Independence also uses school events such as student Exhibitions and PTO to educate parents and to distribute energy saver kits. (see sample energy kits and sample pledges below)
baltimore_energy_challenge_competition_printout.pdf | |
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sample_bec_pledges.pdf | |
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door_hanger.pdf | |
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energy_grant_report.doc | |
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copy_of_whats_in_the_kit_both_pages.pdf | |
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Solid Waste Reduction
This year, Independence has made excellent progress in our goal to expand our recycling program. Recycling bins have been placed in each classroom and in the hallway for the students to use during lunch. Students have also gathered recyclable and trash materials to use for projects in art class. Additionally a compost bin was built in the fall of 2013 in the school yard and the lower house science classes have begun collecting compostable material during the school day.
Each and every Tuesday afternoon, students from the Green Team (6-8 students each week) collect recycling bins from each classroom. Additionally, two students from the Green Team helped create a poster encouraging other students and staff to recycle computer parts, ink cartridges, and cell phone waste. The bin and the sign were installed in December 2013 and will remain in use throughout the school year.
Additionally, in the spirit of not just recycling, but reusing, ninth grade advisories (38 students ) were awarded a grant by the Baltimore Office of Sustainability to design, create, and market re-usable shopping bags to the community. (To learn more about this project, see the Environmental Education section or the attached application below, which outlines this project in greater detail) Students also learned about the value of re-using discarded objects by making benches and tables for the school yard out of recycled pallets. (See photos and more information below, as well as documentation in our Community Partnerships section)
Earlier this year, students from the Green Team helped craft a letter in support of the Baltimore City Bag Bill, which went before the Baltimore City Council. This bill would have helped reduced waste by requiring large retailers to charge a small fee for the use of plastic bags. They brought information home to their parents and made short presentations to other classrooms and teachers, collecting signatures. Though similar bills have passed in Montgomery county and DC, and have reduced waste and encouraged the use of re-usable bags by 50-70%, the bill did not pass in Baltimore City.
This year, Independence has made excellent progress in our goal to expand our recycling program. Recycling bins have been placed in each classroom and in the hallway for the students to use during lunch. Students have also gathered recyclable and trash materials to use for projects in art class. Additionally a compost bin was built in the fall of 2013 in the school yard and the lower house science classes have begun collecting compostable material during the school day.
Each and every Tuesday afternoon, students from the Green Team (6-8 students each week) collect recycling bins from each classroom. Additionally, two students from the Green Team helped create a poster encouraging other students and staff to recycle computer parts, ink cartridges, and cell phone waste. The bin and the sign were installed in December 2013 and will remain in use throughout the school year.
Additionally, in the spirit of not just recycling, but reusing, ninth grade advisories (38 students ) were awarded a grant by the Baltimore Office of Sustainability to design, create, and market re-usable shopping bags to the community. (To learn more about this project, see the Environmental Education section or the attached application below, which outlines this project in greater detail) Students also learned about the value of re-using discarded objects by making benches and tables for the school yard out of recycled pallets. (See photos and more information below, as well as documentation in our Community Partnerships section)
Earlier this year, students from the Green Team helped craft a letter in support of the Baltimore City Bag Bill, which went before the Baltimore City Council. This bill would have helped reduced waste by requiring large retailers to charge a small fee for the use of plastic bags. They brought information home to their parents and made short presentations to other classrooms and teachers, collecting signatures. Though similar bills have passed in Montgomery county and DC, and have reduced waste and encouraged the use of re-usable bags by 50-70%, the bill did not pass in Baltimore City.
sustainability_grant_2013-2014_sy.pdf | |
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bag_bill_letters.pdf | |
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Structures for Environmental Learning
Independence School Food Garden
Many years ago, students and staff at Independence High School worked to create structures for environmental learning for the school community by creating and maintaining a school garden. The garden is still alive and well today. Mr. Hall's advisory (now 11th graders) has taken special care to maintain the vegetable garden since they entered Independence in the 9th grade. Mr. Hall has eighteen students in his eleventh grade advisory. Students were amazed to watch as their garden produced tomatoes, peppers, kale, collards, and potatoes! Later, during summer of 2013, a group of students picked two 64 gallon bags of kale and donated them to the kitchen at Keswick Senior Center. Students were happy to take home produce, and to share it with others in the community. (see attached article, "Reaping a Harvest," published in the local Hampden Happenings)
During the winter and spring of 2014 teachers (Mr. Hand, Ms. Mullen, Ms .Black, Mr, Hall, Ms. Kirikos) worked with their advisories and the Student Green Team to grow seedlings in their rooms that would later be transferred to the garden. The plants in the classrooms started a larger conversation about where our food comes from and why it is important to grow gardens. Students took turns watering the plants and transferring them to the garden. Both the science teachers included this as part of units in the Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Independent Science Research courses. (see photos above and further documentation in Environmental Issues instruction)
Independence Memorial Garden
This garden was started years ago, in memory of a student's tragic death. Initially planted with perennials such as daffodils, tulips, and rose bushes, this garden will be updated this spring. Teachers, noting the amount of loss many students have endured , proposed that students plant annuals each year in memory of loved ones who have passed away. Students are thrilled with the plan, and have begun planting some annual seedlings in the plant lab.
Advisory 10A (fifteen students) has taken on stewardship of a portion of the garden that contains a bench dedicated to the student who passed away. During advisory this spring they will be planting flower seedlings for students from each advisory to plant outside in memorial of people they lost in the past year. One day a week, once the flowers are ready to be planted outside, the students from this advisory will facilitate another advisory planting the flowers and a circle where students may share who their flower memorializes. Working with Mosaic Makers, a Baltimore City non-profit, the students will re-design the mosaic bench with the social workers from that organization. We will also make repairs so that it will be moved when the school is moved and will memorialize the student, Kenny, for many years to come. Students will earn service hours, beautify our school grounds, spend time outside on a weekly basis, and learn how to plan gardens, tend and grow plants through hands-on experience. (see photos below)
Bee Hive/Bee Stewardship
Independence School is working with B-More Honey to keep bees in a school hive (locate outdoors, of course!) In addition to increasing local pollination and providing a have for bees, the hive has prompted a discussion about bio-diversity and the inter-connectedness of all things. Students, seeing other students build the hive, began to ask questions. Amazing opportunities for learning resulted. This project will also have a community education arm, in which students will educate neighborhood residents about the hive and the effect of consumer choice on bees. (See photo below, and more details in the Environmental Education section.)
Compost Bin
This outdoor compost bin was created on Green Apple Day of Service with help from GWWO Architects . (September 2013) Student and community volunteers helped Mr. Hand build a compost bin, which he has introduced to students in his Biology and Environmental Science Class.
(see photos below)
Outdoor Stage
The Outdoor Stage has been in use for years at Independence. It has hosted many a rendition of Shakespearean play, student readings, and the Annual Literacy Awards Ceremony.(see photos below)
Outdoor Tables and Seating
These structures were built by students from recycled pallets with the help and design of volunteer architects from GWWO Architects. (September 2013) The tables and benches are used regularly for students before, during, and after school. This outdoor classroom is a favorite of both teachers and students for small group instruction and Literacy circles.(see photos below)
Independence School Food Garden
Many years ago, students and staff at Independence High School worked to create structures for environmental learning for the school community by creating and maintaining a school garden. The garden is still alive and well today. Mr. Hall's advisory (now 11th graders) has taken special care to maintain the vegetable garden since they entered Independence in the 9th grade. Mr. Hall has eighteen students in his eleventh grade advisory. Students were amazed to watch as their garden produced tomatoes, peppers, kale, collards, and potatoes! Later, during summer of 2013, a group of students picked two 64 gallon bags of kale and donated them to the kitchen at Keswick Senior Center. Students were happy to take home produce, and to share it with others in the community. (see attached article, "Reaping a Harvest," published in the local Hampden Happenings)
During the winter and spring of 2014 teachers (Mr. Hand, Ms. Mullen, Ms .Black, Mr, Hall, Ms. Kirikos) worked with their advisories and the Student Green Team to grow seedlings in their rooms that would later be transferred to the garden. The plants in the classrooms started a larger conversation about where our food comes from and why it is important to grow gardens. Students took turns watering the plants and transferring them to the garden. Both the science teachers included this as part of units in the Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Independent Science Research courses. (see photos above and further documentation in Environmental Issues instruction)
Independence Memorial Garden
This garden was started years ago, in memory of a student's tragic death. Initially planted with perennials such as daffodils, tulips, and rose bushes, this garden will be updated this spring. Teachers, noting the amount of loss many students have endured , proposed that students plant annuals each year in memory of loved ones who have passed away. Students are thrilled with the plan, and have begun planting some annual seedlings in the plant lab.
Advisory 10A (fifteen students) has taken on stewardship of a portion of the garden that contains a bench dedicated to the student who passed away. During advisory this spring they will be planting flower seedlings for students from each advisory to plant outside in memorial of people they lost in the past year. One day a week, once the flowers are ready to be planted outside, the students from this advisory will facilitate another advisory planting the flowers and a circle where students may share who their flower memorializes. Working with Mosaic Makers, a Baltimore City non-profit, the students will re-design the mosaic bench with the social workers from that organization. We will also make repairs so that it will be moved when the school is moved and will memorialize the student, Kenny, for many years to come. Students will earn service hours, beautify our school grounds, spend time outside on a weekly basis, and learn how to plan gardens, tend and grow plants through hands-on experience. (see photos below)
Bee Hive/Bee Stewardship
Independence School is working with B-More Honey to keep bees in a school hive (locate outdoors, of course!) In addition to increasing local pollination and providing a have for bees, the hive has prompted a discussion about bio-diversity and the inter-connectedness of all things. Students, seeing other students build the hive, began to ask questions. Amazing opportunities for learning resulted. This project will also have a community education arm, in which students will educate neighborhood residents about the hive and the effect of consumer choice on bees. (See photo below, and more details in the Environmental Education section.)
Compost Bin
This outdoor compost bin was created on Green Apple Day of Service with help from GWWO Architects . (September 2013) Student and community volunteers helped Mr. Hand build a compost bin, which he has introduced to students in his Biology and Environmental Science Class.
(see photos below)
Outdoor Stage
The Outdoor Stage has been in use for years at Independence. It has hosted many a rendition of Shakespearean play, student readings, and the Annual Literacy Awards Ceremony.(see photos below)
Outdoor Tables and Seating
These structures were built by students from recycled pallets with the help and design of volunteer architects from GWWO Architects. (September 2013) The tables and benches are used regularly for students before, during, and after school. This outdoor classroom is a favorite of both teachers and students for small group instruction and Literacy circles.(see photos below)
reaping_a_harvest1.doc | |
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Responsible Transportation
One of the core goals of Independence (actually rooted in our school's name) is that students learn to independently use and navigate a variety of public transportation as a way of getting to know their city.
More than 90% of school field trips are taken via bus, local route shuttles, or the light rail. Students are made aware that their responsible transportation choices (walking, MTA, car-pooling) help reduce their carbon footprint.
Some teachers have begun to look at transportation to and from school as a means of making our school a greener place. Approximately 10% of the teachers at the school regularly bike to work. Other teachers who live close to school often make the choice to walk rather than drive.
Healthy School Environment
As part of experiential learning,students grow and eat healthy food from the school gardens. At first, students were afraid to eat the food, thinking that it was "dirty". Students engaged in a lively discussion about whether or not the tomatoes in the garden were the same as those found at the supermarket! For most of our students, tending the seedlings, then moving them to the garden, then watching the plants produce peppers, cherry tomatoes, and, more was a very new experience.
In addition to our vegetable garden, students tend to the herb garden and take care of our bountiful peach trees , apple, and pear tree. During the Green Apple Day of Service event, students planted a blackberry bush and fig tree.
Students in the ninth grade participated in the Healthy Eating, Healthy Living workshop and field trip explored, discussed and promoted healthy eating practices.
Students in Health class created a poster campaign addressing Healthy eating and Exercise. The best posters were posted around school. (see example at left) As part of our mission, students and staff regularly walk about the city for our experiential learning field trips. We have been very happy to see students, who at one time struggled to walk up a hill, now happily and easily walking with their peers.
(see additional information and documentation in the Environmental Education section.)
As part of experiential learning,students grow and eat healthy food from the school gardens. At first, students were afraid to eat the food, thinking that it was "dirty". Students engaged in a lively discussion about whether or not the tomatoes in the garden were the same as those found at the supermarket! For most of our students, tending the seedlings, then moving them to the garden, then watching the plants produce peppers, cherry tomatoes, and, more was a very new experience.
In addition to our vegetable garden, students tend to the herb garden and take care of our bountiful peach trees , apple, and pear tree. During the Green Apple Day of Service event, students planted a blackberry bush and fig tree.
Students in the ninth grade participated in the Healthy Eating, Healthy Living workshop and field trip explored, discussed and promoted healthy eating practices.
Students in Health class created a poster campaign addressing Healthy eating and Exercise. The best posters were posted around school. (see example at left) As part of our mission, students and staff regularly walk about the city for our experiential learning field trips. We have been very happy to see students, who at one time struggled to walk up a hill, now happily and easily walking with their peers.
(see additional information and documentation in the Environmental Education section.)
sample_bec_pledges.pdf | |
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copy_of_whats_in_the_kit_both_pages.pdf | |
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2013_energy_challenge_repport.doc | |
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