STUDENT DRIVEN BMP'S
* Water Conservation/Pollution Prevention * Energy Conservation * Solid Waste Reduction * Habitat Restoration * Structures for Environmental Learning * Responsible Transportation * Healthy School Environment
Water Conservation/Pollution Prevention
Tree Planting and Maintenance on School Grounds: Each year, 2010-2013, the PTA's Environmental Committee (with some assistance from Maryland Department of Natural Resources) purchased 5-10 native trees to plant in grassy areas on the edges of the school's property. The trees were desired to help reduce runoff and erosion and to create shade in places near where children play. About 6 parents and 15 kids each year dug the holes and planted the trees. Support poles and waterbags were added and the trees were mulched. Throughout each summer 8-12 volunteers from the school and local neighborhood watered the trees and provided any needed maintenance.
Erosion Control - Every year as part of our Earth Day celebration, students and their families take part in various campus projects. Due to high volume foot traffic, erosion is a great concern in certain areas of our campus. To try to minimize the impact of this erosion on our local watershed, students and parents survey the campus, planting grass seed or spreading mulch in areas of concern.
Rain garden - The center area of the courtyard was planted as a rain garden to reduce storm water runoff. The BCPS original design for the courtyard was to be a 7000 sq ft concrete pad. The school, PTA and community partners worked instead to create a garden. A berm was built around the storm drain to hold back any runoff from the paths creating a 1,800 sq ft rain garden. Over 300 students planted native plants including swamp milkweed, joe pye weed and cardinal flowers. The students learned how rain gardens work and the role of native plants helping water to infiltrate the ground as well as providing habitat for native species. The plants and soil amendments were funded by a Chesapeake Bay Trust Grant of $1873.
During the planting students learned about the importance of native plants within a rain garden - how their deep roots help water penetrate the ground. They then produced posters to illustrate this.
Hydroponic Gardening- Within the garden a second grade class set up a hydroponic water tower to grow spring vegetables. They were able to see how plants can be grown intensively by adding nutrients to water.
Energy Conservation
Energy Audit - Children in the Green Club carried out an energy audit to see how much energy is used by lighting in each classroom. They then calculated how much energy is saved in the 8 classrooms that have motion sensitive lights and that could be saved by using a task lamp with a CFL instead of the overhead lights. Task lamps were given to teachers that requested them using funds generated by the school recycling of cell phones and ink cartridges. The children also visited classrooms to check that lights were being turned off, and classrooms weren't too hot.
Switch Plate Covers - To encourage the conservation of energy children in the green club made 26 switch plate covers with Green themes so that every classroom has them.
Solid Waste Reduction
Single Stream Recycling - As Baltimore County changed to 'single-stream' recycling in 2011, Hillcrest renewed its commitment by reviewing the policies for recycling. Students began to add plastic bottles and cans to their blue recycling bins. These containers used to be emptied into the county recycling dumpsters by the janitorial staff, but in 2013 a 5th grade math students began to collect and count the blue bins once a week. Students of all grade levels assisted with the process of collecting recyclables. They then used the data in their math activities. Having the students involved in emptying their classrooms' recyclables each week has allowed students to take pride in their collective efforts.
Green Club Recycling Drive - An after-school club researched and identified items that could be recycled rather than being part of everyday trash. The Green Club created recycling bins and posters to be placed in the entrance hall of the school. Students collected ink cartridges, cell phones and sneakers (ground up and reused as play ground materials). The funds raised by these collections are then used for upcoming environmental projects at the school.
Reducing Food Waste in the Cafeteria. In the 2013-14 school year planning began a new effort to reduce food waste. A compost bin was placed out near the garden, and students are encourage to collect appropriate food waste for composting.
In January of 2014, students placed in pre-designated bins the unopened food that they were not going to eat and that they usually throw out. This food was collected for all the lunch periods, then a small group of 5th grade math students weighed the food, recorded the results and did some extrapolations. They counted 111 food items that would have been thrown out; these weighed about 37 pounds. They roughly estimated the value of this food to be $70. Then then calculated that this amount of food waste would cost $350 for a week, and $1,400 for a month. The value of the wasted food over a 10 month school year would be about $14,000! The math students then created some PSAs to be read over the morning announcements to alert the whole school to the problem of food waste and to encourage them to take that food home instead of throwing it out. Some messages were also developed to be sent to parents via the PTA electronic newsletter. After the educational campaign, another food waste collection occurred and the math students again measured the amount of waste. The before and after amounts were compared and the results shared with the school community.
In January of 2014, students placed in pre-designated bins the unopened food that they were not going to eat and that they usually throw out. This food was collected for all the lunch periods, then a small group of 5th grade math students weighed the food, recorded the results and did some extrapolations. They counted 111 food items that would have been thrown out; these weighed about 37 pounds. They roughly estimated the value of this food to be $70. Then then calculated that this amount of food waste would cost $350 for a week, and $1,400 for a month. The value of the wasted food over a 10 month school year would be about $14,000! The math students then created some PSAs to be read over the morning announcements to alert the whole school to the problem of food waste and to encourage them to take that food home instead of throwing it out. Some messages were also developed to be sent to parents via the PTA electronic newsletter. After the educational campaign, another food waste collection occurred and the math students again measured the amount of waste. The before and after amounts were compared and the results shared with the school community.
Kids in Action Club's Recycle Donation Drive - this after-school club is geared to getting students to identify needs in the community and taking action; it also conducts seasonal collections of various items for charities. In 2012 they started a collection for a local animal rescue center. After creating collection bins, signs and fliers to advertise the campaign, students collected used blankets and toys to be donated to a local shelter.
TerraCycle - In the years 2010-2012, after finishing lunch, students deposited their juice packages and chip bags into special bins. When quantities accrued, the materials were packaged (with the help of students) and sent to a company called TerraCycle who paid a small fee for these items, which they then re-purposed. In 2013, after researching other possible recyclables, a group of art students initiated the collection of glue dispensers, markers and tape dispensers. Although these items are still being collected, students have already collected 25 lbs. of markers. Students place small collection receptacles (zip-lock bags) and signs in each classroom, as well as a large collection bin in the front entrance.
Habitat Restoration
Native Plant Garden: Since 2011, children at Hillcrest have planted native gardens into the 7000 sq ft courtyard transforming an area of rough grass into an oasis of flowers, shrubs and native grasses. The area now attracts a large number of birds (there are 2 bird boxes installed and 2 sets of bird feeders which children fill) which can be watched from the 5th grade science lab where there are binoculars and bird guides available. A large number of insects are also attracted and there were enough monarch caterpillars on the milkweed plants that 5 classes raised them and tagged them before children took them outside for a releasing ceremony. The after-school Garden Club kids collected seeds from the native flowers in fall 2013 and created their own seed labels so they can be distributed in the community. The also dug up and potted up 24 self-seeded swamp milkweed so they can be planted in local gardens, including the local church gardens, library and community gardens to provide more habitat for monarchs. Children in the Garden Club also helped produce a guide to the flowers in the courtyard and use this to write up what's blooming in the courtyard each week so visitors to the garden can identify the plants.
Fish Raising in the Classroom: Each Fall (for 8+ years) 12-20 classrooms participate, each receiving a fish tank with approximately 30-40 bluegill fish. The fish are obtained from a Department of Natural Resources fishery. Teachers receive instruction on how to teach their students to take care of the fish in their care. Students are involved in setting up each tank, feeding the fish and locating/removing dead fish. Kindergarten and First grade teachers have a lesson plan that describes the role of fish in the ecosystem. Teachers are encouraged to relate fish raising to science and math concepts. A handout was created for teachers to use in discussing any fish deaths in the tanks. Student and parent volunteers regularly check on the tanks to clean filters, add water and clean the tanks. In the Spring, both the 1st grade and 3rd grade participate in the release of the fish. The release days involve a full day of hands-on environmental education and exploration with grade-appropriate activities.
Ladybug Raising Project (September 2011-2013): In September 2011, eleven teachers received ladybug larvae and in 2012 fourteen teachers received approximately 15 ladybug larvae along with food and habitats. This project was funded by the PTA's Environmental Committee. The number of students was approximately 20 – 25 per classroom. Teachers were given ladybug fact sheets, instructions for having the students take care of the ladybug larvae, and activity sheets to use at their discretion. Throughout the time raising the ladybugs, students noted changes in the larvae and used this in their class writings.
Butterfly Raising Project (Spring 2011-2013). Each year with the support of the PTA, Hillcrest raises Painted Lady Caterpillars. In 2012 nineteen teachers/classrooms received 20-25 butterfly larvae each. Each class of 25-28 students received fact sheets and instructions on Painted Lady caterpillars, which they used to take care of them. The butterflies were released to the courtyard gardens by the students. Students often investigate the native gardens looking for butterfly diversity.
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Structures for Environmental Learning
Recycled Bag Sculpture for the New Courtyard (2010-11): As plans were being made to develop the new walled-in outdoor courtyard into gardens and teaching areas, the courtyard space was covered only with grass. Students wanted something interesting to look at and the PTA's Environmental Committee wanted to draw attention to the space and liven it up. Since the school's mascot is Hedgie the Hedgehog, it was decided that a large sculpture made of recycled materials would be created for the empty courtyard. Parents made the basic shape of the hedgehog by re-using old lumber for the base and adding a chicken wire frame and then using old plastic detergent bottles for the face. Students brought in to school their extra beige/white/gray plastic grocery bags for the fur. They started tying the bags onto the frame at the PTA's annual Math-Science-Night as part of a themed room on recycling ("The Waste Monsters"). Additional furring was added by after-school student groups and parents. It was estimated that 8,000 bags were re-purposed for this! The 4' X 4' x 8' sculpture was placed in the center of the courtyard along with signage about recycling ("Hedgie says to recycle!")
Interpretive signs and artwork for the outdoor spaces: Hillcrest students have taken great pride in all the work they have done to create our outdoor spaces. They have loved the opportunity to makes signs and various artwork to be displayed. Green Club students in 2011 and 2013 made art to hang in the gardens to reflect light. They recycled old glass and broken mirrors. Every year since the courtyard was created the Green Club has added more interpretive signs - labeling plants, a guide to what is blooming in the garden and a welcome sign. In 2012, kindergarten students, with the help of 2nd graders, painted decorative bricks to line the pathways of the gardens. The second grade also painted math facts onto bricks to create the borders to the garden beds and produced a series of 'life cycle' pavers. In 2013, 5th grade artists painted pavers illustrating native species of the Chesapeake Watershed, and the Garden Club made decorative banners from recycled materials.
Organic Vegetable Gardening - Since the creation of the raised beds in Fall 2010, students have regularly participated in their planting, maintaining, and harvesting. Throughout the Fall and Spring of each year, each grade level plants and maintains a specific raised bed in the organic garden. Our harvests have included radishes, spinach, basil, tomatoes, kale, pumpkins, herbs and so much more! Every grade level has been able to incorporate their activities in the garden into activities in the classroom. The gardens are proving to engage students in healthy eating.
Responsible Transportation
Walking Field Trips - We are very fortunate to be in a walkable community. This allows us to incorporate walking field trips into our class schedules. In 2012, the 1st grade walked to visit the Frederick Road Veterinary Hospital and the Kindergarten class takes an annual trip to the Catonsville Fire Station. Walking trips to the local ice cream stand via the nearby Trolley Trail are not unusual in the last few days of school!
National Walk & Bike to School Day - For the last couple of years, Hillcrest Students have rallied for a large turnout for this national event. Wednesday, October 9th was the 2013 date for this last National Walk and Bike to School Day. One goal of the school's new Healthy Kids Committee is to work with students promoting walking and biking to school, aka. "Active Transportation." This last year, 180 students signed up to participate, (20% of all students) and of those, 74 were first time walkers/bikers. The event has helped the school community identify the "road blocks" throughout the community that inhibit many students from walking. As a result students and parents are beginning to petition for additional bike racks, a permanent crossing guard at a very busy intersection, better pedestrian signage, and recruiting communities to start new "walking school buses."
Healthy School Environment
Non-Toxic Cleaners: In an effort to reduce the use of toxic cleaning products in school and at home students have made non-toxic cleaners, bottled them, and distributed them. In 2011 the students in the after-school Green Club made the cleaners and sold them to parents and teachers. In 2013's “Math-Science Night” students again made the cleaners but distributed these free of charge to teachers/classrooms for use when the students are helping with the room cleaning.
Healthier Eating: Since the raised beds were built in October 2010, the second grade classes have grown crops every Spring and Fall that they then sample for snacks. In Fall 2012, a class invited the chef of a local restaurant to come to their classroom to cook the sweet potatoes they had just harvested from the garden beds. Then all the children got to sample sweet potato fritters and learn about their nutritional value. In October of 2013, the second grade was treated to Healthy Eating Assemblies sponsored by the PTA. First, students picked spinach in the courtyard that they grew from transplants that they put in the school gardens at the beginning of the school year. Then they made '5 Food Group Wraps' that included the freshly picked spinach. A significant increase in the number of students that selected spinach for their wraps was noted compared to the previous year when the spinach was not grown by the students. In Spring they made burritos using tomatoes that they had picked from the garden the previous Fall and dried. Also in October, local farms and markets donated fresh local apples for all students and staff to enjoy in honor of National Food Day. The Green Club also harvests crops and learns about the benefits of organic produce, using their fresh vegetables to make tabouli and then eating it.