Sparks Elementary School		A 2005 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Winner
Sparks Sharks are Always Moving Forward!

Green School Program

Summary

Sparks Environmental Education Program

Sparks Elementary won certification from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as Green School because of the wonderful environmental education activities and opportunities offered to our students.

Some of the activities offered include:

·        Eco-Sharks- an after-school environmental learning program that offers four different learning opportunities for our 3-5^th grade students. The classes are after school once a week for a month and are offered by different teachers in the building. The classes that are offered included:

• Stream Study

• Butterfly Garden      

• Bluebird Trail         

• Trees

This program began last spring and we plan to offer these classes again this spring!

·        Every student last spring planted at least one tree in our efforts to increase the buffer between the land and Piney Creek (a stream running through our campus)

·        This fall an Outdoor Learning Club started for fourth and fifth graders. Students will investigate how we impact the Chesapeake Bay. Students will conduct various projects at Sparks and off campus. We will be going on a Harbor Boat trip to examine the suburban and urban impact on the bay and we will be camping with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in the spring.

·        Sparks Environmental Education Fair- Friday, April 21^st all students will attend an assembly and then various 1 hour presentations throughout the day. Some of the presenters who have been booked so far include representatives from the  Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, Chesapeake Bay Alliance, and many others. Some of the topics that will be presented include worm composting, owl pellets, native plants, eco-arts, and many more!

·        Outdoor Learning Center- Mrs. Bauer’s (former Sparks fourth grade teacher) son is creating our Outdoor Learning Center as his Eagle Scout project. This center will have an amphi-theater with seating as well as a shed for storage of outdoor education materials. Money is still being raised for this effort. If you would like to contribute, please email Pokey Fair at egoffigon@bcps.org

·        We have a one-mile nature trail with over 20 bluebird houses that will soon be registered as part of the North American Bluebird Trail with the North American Bluebird Society.

·        Used ink jet and cell phone recycling is offered year round. We get money for these items that goes directly to the environmental education programs at Sparks. The student council offers paper recycling and the cafeteria can and bottle recycling. The Outdoor Learning Club is pleased to be offering battery recycling. There will always be a box in the lobby. Bring in your batteries and we will dispose of them properly!

If you would like more information on any of these programs or activities. Please email Pokey Fair at egoffigon@bcps.org

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