Student-Driven Sustainability Practices
At HES BMP's are modeled in the operation, design, and maintenance of the school building and grounds. The morning announcements are used daily to convey Green School education and information about activities to the staff and students. Mr. Walsh, technology teacher and member of the Green School Committee, is committed to empowering the youth and community to apply their knowledge to make progress to a more sustainable future. Under his supervision the students lead the morning announcements and apply authentic life skills to report to the HES community of learners.
Solid Waste Reduction
Obj. 2.3
2017-2018 RAK Club Collects Gloves
(Participants: All students, staff, and community)
RAK: Random Acts of Kindness Club
In the winter of 2017-18 the 4th grade RAK Club announced they were collecting gently used gloves to give to people in need. Fifty-four pairs of gently used gloves were donated along with over 100 new pair. The community really united to bring in over 150 pairs of gloves. Gloves were donated to the local community and to Mt. Claire Christian School in Baltimore. What a "hands on" way to help the environment and the community.
(Participants: All students, staff, and community)
RAK: Random Acts of Kindness Club
In the winter of 2017-18 the 4th grade RAK Club announced they were collecting gently used gloves to give to people in need. Fifty-four pairs of gently used gloves were donated along with over 100 new pair. The community really united to bring in over 150 pairs of gloves. Gloves were donated to the local community and to Mt. Claire Christian School in Baltimore. What a "hands on" way to help the environment and the community.
Terracycle Brownie Bite Brigade (2016-2019)
(All students and Staff)
All students deposit empty Brownie Bite packages in a tub in the cafeteria to be sent to Terracycle. Once collected, the pouches are sent to Terracycle where they are cleaned and melted into hard plastic that can be remolded to make new recycled products. Way to keep trash out of the landfill HES!
(All students and Staff)
All students deposit empty Brownie Bite packages in a tub in the cafeteria to be sent to Terracycle. Once collected, the pouches are sent to Terracycle where they are cleaned and melted into hard plastic that can be remolded to make new recycled products. Way to keep trash out of the landfill HES!
Crayola Colorcycle (2017-2019)
(Participants: All students, staff, and community)
There is a very special program at HES in conjunction with Crayola. It’s called Crayola ColorCycle – an amazing new program devised to turn used markers into energy! The 4th grade Green Team created collection containers to place in every classroom. All around HES students and teachers collect used markers that are ready to be discarded. Some students even bring in used markers from home. The markers are sent to a facility where they will be converted into clean fuel. This fuel can be used to power vehicles, heat homes, cook meals and more! What a great way to reduce waste.
(Participants: All students, staff, and community)
There is a very special program at HES in conjunction with Crayola. It’s called Crayola ColorCycle – an amazing new program devised to turn used markers into energy! The 4th grade Green Team created collection containers to place in every classroom. All around HES students and teachers collect used markers that are ready to be discarded. Some students even bring in used markers from home. The markers are sent to a facility where they will be converted into clean fuel. This fuel can be used to power vehicles, heat homes, cook meals and more! What a great way to reduce waste.
Recycling Specialist
4th Grade Green Team
25 students each year (2012-2019)
Every year each member of the 4th Grade Green Team is assigned a classroom to be the recycling specialist. Their pictures, names, and titles are posted outside of the classroom. Daily they check in with the class to help empty recycling, collect used markers, and answer any recycling questions. This group is really in charge of the HES recycling program. What a way to model your love for the Earth.
4th Grade Green Team
25 students each year (2012-2019)
Every year each member of the 4th Grade Green Team is assigned a classroom to be the recycling specialist. Their pictures, names, and titles are posted outside of the classroom. Daily they check in with the class to help empty recycling, collect used markers, and answer any recycling questions. This group is really in charge of the HES recycling program. What a way to model your love for the Earth.
Shoes for Cinderella
2017-2018
Participants: HES students, staff, and community
Third grade students enjoyed a unit reading Cinderella stories from around the world. They discussed and compared cultures and traditions from around the world. Then, each student, chose his/her own country, researched traditions and culture, and wrote a Cinderella story. Towards the end of this unit the students became passionate about having a shoe collection at HES for gently used or new shoes. All shoes collected would be delivered to Grace Church to give to people in need. What a great way to reduce waste and help others. Now that's putting your heart into your writing.
2017-2018
Participants: HES students, staff, and community
Third grade students enjoyed a unit reading Cinderella stories from around the world. They discussed and compared cultures and traditions from around the world. Then, each student, chose his/her own country, researched traditions and culture, and wrote a Cinderella story. Towards the end of this unit the students became passionate about having a shoe collection at HES for gently used or new shoes. All shoes collected would be delivered to Grace Church to give to people in need. What a great way to reduce waste and help others. Now that's putting your heart into your writing.
Waste-Free Wednesdays (2012 - 2013)
Wednesdays are always special at HES. Every Wednesday, students and staff are encouraged to wear green to support the HES Green School initiatives. Although students recycle everyday in the cafeteria, and many of them also pack waste-free lunches everyday; Wednesdays are the day that the trash for every grade level is weighed. Members of the green clubs are available to cheer on the students and to take pictures to display of students with waste-free lunches. Parent volunteers come in the afternoon to supervise students as they weigh and graph the data. On Friday, the winning grade level is announced on the morning announcements and Tuffy proudly visits each class to celebrate. A large golden and jeweled trophy made of recyclables is left to proudly display for the week. The amount of recycling has more than doubled in our cafeteria. Which grade level will produce the least amount of trash on any given Wednesday?
Terracycle Brigades
The Elmer's Glue Crew: Second grade members of the Friends of the Earth Club saw that HES was throwing away large quantities of glue sticks and decided they wanted to recycle these products through a company called Terracycle. At the beginning of the year the 2nd grade Elmer's Glue Crew made 30 collection containers. They visited every classroom in the school to explain that they were going to recycle Elmer's Glue products and left a collection can. Weekly they visit to collect the empty containers, chaperoned by members of the 4th grade Green Team. The glue containers are sorted in groups of ten, counted, and added on to the Elmer's Glue Crew thermometer. The running total is displayed for the entire school to see. It is estimated that this year alone the students will prevent over 1000 glue sticks from traveling to the landfill. Periodically, boxes of these glue sticks are sent to Terracycle to be recycled into bins and other products.
Drink Pouch Brigade: Every year, billions of drink pouches end up in dumpsters and landfills across America. HES is working to put an end to this enormous loss of resources. As an eco-friendly innovator, TerraCycle converts the drink pouch material into innovative products from tote bags and pencil cases to plastic lumber and pavers! Students simply slip their empty drink pouches into the container in the cafeteria. Our dedicated parent volunteers pick up the pouches 2-3 times per week and store them in their homes. When between 1,000 and 2,000 pouches are collected, Terracycle pays for the postage so the pouches can be shipped off to their facility. A sign up genius was created by the PTA to organize the support of the families in this project! Anyone can visit the Terracycle website to purchase products made with recycled materials.
http://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades.html
Drink Pouch Brigade: Every year, billions of drink pouches end up in dumpsters and landfills across America. HES is working to put an end to this enormous loss of resources. As an eco-friendly innovator, TerraCycle converts the drink pouch material into innovative products from tote bags and pencil cases to plastic lumber and pavers! Students simply slip their empty drink pouches into the container in the cafeteria. Our dedicated parent volunteers pick up the pouches 2-3 times per week and store them in their homes. When between 1,000 and 2,000 pouches are collected, Terracycle pays for the postage so the pouches can be shipped off to their facility. A sign up genius was created by the PTA to organize the support of the families in this project! Anyone can visit the Terracycle website to purchase products made with recycled materials.
http://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades.html
Terracyle Update!
In 2013, we upped our Terracyle game! We joined several new brigades. We are now recycling ink cartridges, scotch tape dispensers, pens and highlighters, Lunchables, and snack bags. In the cafeteria we created a Recycling Zone for juice pouches, Lunchables, snack bags, and our new paper recyclable cafeteria trays. No more foam trays! YAY!
In 2013, we upped our Terracyle game! We joined several new brigades. We are now recycling ink cartridges, scotch tape dispensers, pens and highlighters, Lunchables, and snack bags. In the cafeteria we created a Recycling Zone for juice pouches, Lunchables, snack bags, and our new paper recyclable cafeteria trays. No more foam trays! YAY!
Schoolwide Recycling
Recycling collection containers can be spotted all over Hammond Elementary School. Every classroom is equipped with a recycling bin and a Elmer's Glue Recycling can. Throughout the halls you will see bottle cap collection tubs. Large brutes are situated in the middle of the school for easy removal of recycling. As mentioned many times, the cafeteria is set up for convenient disposal of recycling. Members of our Green clubs visit classrooms weekly for pick up recycling. Our brutes are overflowing....what a beautiful sight to see!
Update: Recycling has taken over Hammond! In 2013, we ordered three new recycling bins to keep up with school wide recycling!
Update: Recycling has taken over Hammond! In 2013, we ordered three new recycling bins to keep up with school wide recycling!
Electronic Newsletters
HES newsletters are sent electronically on a regular basis. They can also be found on the HES website and PTA website. This not only reduces paper usage, but allows the community to review past newsletters. Whenever possible, e-news is sent to the community instead of paper reminders. Paper copies are made available upon request.
Two-Sided Copies and Document Cameras
Document cameras are now in every classroom. Teachers utilize this technology on a daily basis to reduce their paper copies. When copies are made, staff members are reminded to print double sided. A note written on the shape of a very valuable resource, a tree, is posted eye level at the copier! One sided paper is reused during indoor recess for coloring and other assorted paper crafts.
OCE instead of Computer Printers (2012-2013)
Mr. Walsh gave a presentation on how to send documents to the OCE as opposed to our computer printers. Teachers brought their laptops and followed the powerpoint instructions to add the OCE as a printer choice. Now all teachers send documents to the OCE instead of school printers. This has reduced the amount of ink and cartridges our printers go through.
Clothing Collection (2011-2013)
At the edge of the HES parking lot sits a Planet Aid collection container for gently used clothing, books, toys and shoes. The community generously donates these items and pickups are made on a regular basis. The proceeds from selling the donated items are used to fund development projects in Africa and Asia. Also, the clothes are shipped in bulk to customers all over the world, where the trade provides jobs for thousands of people and inexpensive clothing for millions. The students learn about the thread that connects all people and countries together, forming our global community. They are making a positive impact on the world in which they live.
Energy Conservation
Obj. 2.2
Greenewit
Grace Bromery is an Agent of Change with greeNewit an energy efficiency company based in Columbia, Maryland. They have created the social project, OUR Schools, to teach free energy and sustainability education at elementary schools in Maryland. GreeNEWit's educational offering consists of an assembly presentation, given by co-founder Josh Notes, that examines the importance of energy efficiency and sustainable living. In addition, they also offer four optional breakout sessions, complete with lesson plans and activities for teachers, that further explore the four pillars of STEM through the lens of sustainability and clean energy. Classroom lessons will cover alternative energy, solar, and wind. GreeNewit will join HES staff and students to help educate our community on Earth Day, April 22, 2013.
our_lesson_-_alt_energy_k-2.docx | |
File Size: | 16 kb |
File Type: | docx |
our_lesson_-_alt_energy_3-5.docx | |
File Size: | 17 kb |
File Type: | docx |
our_lesson_plan_-_solar_k-2.docx | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
File Type: | docx |
our_lesson_plan_-_solar_3-5.docx | |
File Size: | 15 kb |
File Type: | docx |
our_lesson_plan_-_wind_k-2.docx | |
File Size: | 16 kb |
File Type: | docx |
our_lesson_plan_-_wind_3-5.docx | |
File Size: | 19 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Last Out? Lights Out! (2012 - 2019)
Our second grade Energy Auditors learned about the importance of conserving energy! Wanting to make a difference, they felt the need to place reminders beside every light switch in the school to remind staff and students to turn off the lights when they are not in use! Every switch is decorated with a one of kind, student made light bulb, complete with the phrase, "Last Out? Lights Out!" The Energy Auditors are now going to design reminders for the document cameras and projectors. Additionally, students are creating rewards to place on teachers doors when they notice them conserving energy and turning off lights, document cameras, and projectors. Little steps can make a big difference!
Energy Audit and Light Sensors (2009 - 2019)
HES students became energy detectives. They did an energy audit of appliances and electrical devices to find energy savers and energy wasters in school. The students found that some devices such as chargers use electricity even when they are not plugged into the actual device. Other appliances use electricity even when turned off. Students became concerned about the amount of electrical waste and want to create programs to educate people about the proper use of electrical devices in order to not waste electricity. Signs were posted throughout the school to remind people to turn off all electrical devices when not in use. Students also visited classrooms and tried to catch people being “Wise Energy Users.” Students then discussed other ways to communicate the best ways to educate people about saving energy, saving money, and saving the earth!
Help Wanted (on-going)
Turning out the lights is a very important job at HES. Students in each classroom take pride in conserving energy and are always excited to turn out the lights as they exit their room! They even remind adults when they see that lights are on! What an easy way to save money and conserve our natural resources.
Habitat Restoration
Obj. 2.4
Gardening (2015-2019)
In 2015 the Green team started the first HES vegetable garden.
In 2015 the Green team started the first HES vegetable garden.
Trout in the Classroom (2007 - 2019)
On Thursday, April 9th, the fourth grade students are excited to meet after school at a local stream to release the trout they have been raising for months. Trout in the Classroom is an environmental education program in which students raise trout from eggs to fry, monitor tank water quality, engage in stream habitat study, begin to foster a conservation ethic, and grow to understand ecosystems. Everyday at recess a different group of fourth graders meets at the tank to do their daily chores. They keep a detailed journal of what is happening each day. Students in grades k-5 pass the tank on a daily basis and observe the trout. The morning announcement crew shows video of the trout up until the time they are released. Students look forward to the day when they will be in fourth grade and get to care for the trout. In May, students release their trout into the Middle Patuxent River. This program has been active in HES since 2007 and is run by Mrs. Sharon Meyer.
Butterfly Garden (2009 - 2019)
The butterfly garden is a work in progress. Each year plants are added, the land aerated, and the garden is weeded and mulched. This year, pictures of native butterflies were made available so students can identify the species they observe. Also, laminated insect identification charts are available for classes to use when on a search for 6 legged organisms with 3 body parts. Fourth grade students researched native plants and made "Wanted" posters for many invasive species. In the spring, flowering bulbs peek though the mulch to let us know that the warm weather is on the way.
Butterfly Release (2005-2019)
Each year second grade students study the characteristics of an insect. They also learn about the life cycle of a painted lady butterfly. Each student cares for a larvae and watches it eat, grow, and eventually hang in a j hook. When the larvae is in the chrysalis stage, then it is placed in a large enclosed net. Students wait patiently until one day beautiful butterflies emerge. Drawings and observations are made by students in their journals many times during this entire process. It is a very special celebration when students finally release these butterflies into the butterfly garden. Students learn how important insects are to our ecosystem and develop an appreciation for these 6 legged little creatures.
Oyster Reef Balls (2000-2013)
Mrs. Sandy August from WSSC (Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission) visited the Chesapeake Bay Club and educated the students and staff on the importance of these habitats to the restoration of oysters in the Chesapeake Bay. Oysters are a very critical part of Maryland’s economy, and in conjunction with the Maryland State Watermans’ Association, Mrs. August works with many schools across the Washington Metropolitan Area. Hammond is one of the very fortunate schools that gets to benefit from this opportunity. In mid May, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will drop these balls into the reef sanctuary to help restore the oyster population. We know that this project is beneficial because on many occasions, divers have observed the reef balls and found that oysters are using this manmade habitat. For more information on the Oyster Reef Balls, please refer to
Blue Bird Houses (2012-13)
After participating in Zam's Quest for a year, group members began their search for a local issue. Many teachers expressed concerns to these students that the population of bluebirds on our school grounds had diminished dramatically. Concerned, they quickly began to research about bluebirds on the internet and through books. File cards filled with facts were placed on rings and the students now possessed the knowledge to get to work. Bluebird houses were purchased, hammers were borrowed, and the real fun began. The houses were eventually ready to be placed into the HES courtyard. They eagerly await the arrival of the bluebirds in the spring.
Tree Planting (2001-2011 Spring)
Fifth grade students from Hammond Elementary participated in the planting of a riparian stream buffer which protects Howard County and Maryland streams and rivers which flow into the Chesapeake Bay. Students learned about the importance of planting trees along the stream beds to protect the water quality and aquatic wildlife. Students also learned how to correctly plant trees to assure their health and ability to thrive for many years.
Building Structures for
Learning About the Environment
Obj. 2.5
Our Fenced in Vegetable Garden 2012-2019
(Maintained by 4th Grade Green Team consisting of 25 students)
(Encouraged to be used by all)
Over the past 7 years the HES garden has transformed from an open tilled area to a fenced in area with 8 rectangular beds. Home Depot and the HES PTA both donated funds to build the wooden fence. Kent Phillips, a Howard County Master Gardener, visits each year to teach students how to start seeds inside and then transplant in the spring. A feast of fresh salad is enjoyed by the environmental clubs at the end of the year and much of the harvest is sent home with staff and families. Our next step will be to have members of the community farm the garden to produce fresh produce during the summer while school is not in session. All classrooms are encouraged to get into the garden and use it for hands on learning.
Outdoor Classroom
Hammond Elementary School shares a lovely courtyard with the middle school. Many teachers bring their students to this area during the warm weather months. Here students can interact with the butterfly garden or sit at wooden picnic tables or on ledges for instruction. The outdoor classroom is located just outside of the HES doors and is easily accessible by all teachers. Many students use it as a special place to eat when they trade in their "Tuffy Tickets" for a reward. Pictures and names of native butterflies adorn the windows for easy identification and "Insect Identification" reference sheets are also available. It is the perfect area to learn while taking in the sunshine and fresh air. This year, a large white board and clip boards were added to make the classroom better equipped for instruction. Teachers know how brain-friendly and engaging this environment is for their students!
Bluebird Boxes (2010-2013)
The bluebird boxes built this year will be placed in the courtyard. Weekly monitoring will allow students to gather important data to send to the bluebird society. They like you to monitor and report all species using your bluebird houses, not just bluebirds. Species such as bluebirds, tree swallows, house wrens, and chickadees are all native and beneficial birds. Students will need to research how to identify nests and eggs by species. Data submitted at the end of the nesting season allows the identification of population trends in each species. Reading, writing, math, and science will be integrated in this real life experience!
Butterfly Garden (A Work in Progress 2005-2019)
(maintained by 30 students each year, used by the entire school)
The HES butterfly garden has been maintained for many years. Initially planted by every student in the school, it is now maintained and enjoy by the all grade levels. Each fall it is weeded, trimmed, and mulched by the students. In the spring, new native plants are added to fill in empty spots or add more color. This spring, students will be able to use new identification charts to identify plants and insects in our garden. Second grade students are always looking on the bushes for the painted lady butterflies they raised and released. The kindergarten students even add some of the sunflowers they grow from seed to the garden each year! It's a Hammond garden, used by all!
native_butterflies_pages_1-14.docx | |
File Size: | 6559 kb |
File Type: | docx |
native_butterflies_pages_15-28.docx | |
File Size: | 7336 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Playground Mural Spring 2012
Girl Scout Troop #4508 consists of 14 second grade students that attend Hammond Elementary School. They wanted to decorate the playground in an educational way. They decided to stencil and paint a map of the United States on the playground. This extensive project now gives teachers the opportunity to allow students to interact with their country by “literally” walking across the United States. What a “Brain Friendly” way to learn!
Vegetable Garden
2013
In the Spring of 2013 after taking an Environmental Education course, our technology teacher, Greg Walsh, set out to create a vegetable garden. This is a long process, but the project is still progressing smoothly. Students helped with removing grass from the area, mulching the area, and even helped to collect soil samples to send off to the laboratory for nutrient testing. With the help of a Howard County Master Gardener, students are learning how to start plants from seedlings to transplants. Students are growing kale, cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, and more. Students will be in charge of watering, planting, weeding, and maintaining the garden.
2013
In the Spring of 2013 after taking an Environmental Education course, our technology teacher, Greg Walsh, set out to create a vegetable garden. This is a long process, but the project is still progressing smoothly. Students helped with removing grass from the area, mulching the area, and even helped to collect soil samples to send off to the laboratory for nutrient testing. With the help of a Howard County Master Gardener, students are learning how to start plants from seedlings to transplants. Students are growing kale, cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, and more. Students will be in charge of watering, planting, weeding, and maintaining the garden.
The vegetable garden is a lot of work and Mr. Walsh is very thankful for many people that have helped thus far with the project. Especially the following people:
- Mrs. Miller from Hammond who heads up our Green School Team.
- Mr. Beck a Hammond parent who is helping build our fence.
- Mr. Sandhoo a Hammond parent who helped us set up our initial layout.
- Mr. Wells from Hobbits Glen Golf Course who helped us cut sod.
- Mr. Phillips from Howard County Master Gardeners who donated Leaf Gro, growing lights, and is assisting with just about everything!
- Our wonderful students who jump right in to help whenever we need it!
- Our PTA for continuing to support the garden with funding and volunteers.
- Mrs. Davis from Hammond for helping support our garden.
Water Conservation
Obj. 2.1
Never Let the Water Run (2012-2019)
Second grade students in the Friends of the Earth seminar were concerned that many times they see the water running or dripping when the sinks are not being used. Also, they said that wanted to remind people to "Never let the water run". They created cartoon water drops to hang by every sink in the school. Each drop, having its own personality, holds a sign reminding everyone to turn off the water. These students also wrote a report for the morning announcements about the importance of conserving this precious natural resource. These second graders really care about water conservation!
Water Conservation Fixtures
Students have been taught that water is our most important resource and that saving water has become a concern throughout the United States. A dual flush option in restrooms allows students to opt for more or less water. Conservation has never been easier.