Professional Development
Science Workshops
Many of our staff members in all grades attend workshops related to environmental studies. They have shared how these classes have inspired them in their classrooms. Several teachers enjoyed reading "Science Notebooks, Writing About Inquiry". They now guide students to reveal and develop their thinking about scientific concepts, engage in the work of scientists and engineers, and exercise language skills through their journals. Students take ownership of their journals. Below are 25 certificates of completion for a variety of science related courses. Getting our students to think like scientists is a top goal across the grades.
Many of our staff members in all grades attend workshops related to environmental studies. They have shared how these classes have inspired them in their classrooms. Several teachers enjoyed reading "Science Notebooks, Writing About Inquiry". They now guide students to reveal and develop their thinking about scientific concepts, engage in the work of scientists and engineers, and exercise language skills through their journals. Students take ownership of their journals. Below are 25 certificates of completion for a variety of science related courses. Getting our students to think like scientists is a top goal across the grades.
Staff Meetings:
(on-going for staff)
All staff knows of the MDGS application.
"Being Green" is shared by the entire staff! Every teacher has a recycling specialist from the Green Team that answers questions about recycling, keeps the classroom recycling containers empty, and collects used Crayola markers. Staff members are updated with activities, fun facts, and current events on the live video morning announcements and at staff meetings as seen below. Powerpoints are used at staff meetings to share activities going on throughout the school. Emails to the staff update everyone on the events and activities going on throughout. Teachers at all grade levels are embracing different environmental activities which are becoming traditions. For example, every year, the 1st grade team creates a recycling band, the 4th graders raise trout, and every grade has an environmental club. The excitement is contagious!
The powerpoint above was too large of a file to download. Please contact us if you would like to have this resource.
hes_is_green.docx | |
File Size: | 216 kb |
File Type: | docx |
green_school_email_to_staff.pdf | |
File Size: | 632 kb |
File Type: |
Above is just one of the Green School Updates shared with staff through email. This is the quickest way to keep everyone updated on the most current events and activities.
Green School Summit (2015-2019)
Every year Mr. Walsh, Ms. Oswald, and Mrs. Miller attend the Green School Summit at Sandy Point State Park. Students of the Chesapeake Bay Club, and their parents, are also invited to spend the day at the park. The teachers are able to move through the Environmental Literacy Fair stations to learn more about how environmental topics can be taught in fun and engaging ways. Students enjoy all of the hands on activities and the teachers are busy gathering resources, taking pictures, and learning new information. This day has always been a favorite professional development.
Every year Mr. Walsh, Ms. Oswald, and Mrs. Miller attend the Green School Summit at Sandy Point State Park. Students of the Chesapeake Bay Club, and their parents, are also invited to spend the day at the park. The teachers are able to move through the Environmental Literacy Fair stations to learn more about how environmental topics can be taught in fun and engaging ways. Students enjoy all of the hands on activities and the teachers are busy gathering resources, taking pictures, and learning new information. This day has always been a favorite professional development.
Trout in the Classroom (2005-2019)
Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Meyer, and Ms. Oswald have attended workshops annually, over the past 14 years, to continue learning about Trout in the Classroom. The teachers become knowledgable in creating and maintaining a large aquarium that will allow for a healthy life for the trout. Children throughout the school enjoy watching the trout grow as they pass the tank located in the hallway for all to see.
Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is an environmental education program in which students...
Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Meyer, and Ms. Oswald have attended workshops annually, over the past 14 years, to continue learning about Trout in the Classroom. The teachers become knowledgable in creating and maintaining a large aquarium that will allow for a healthy life for the trout. Children throughout the school enjoy watching the trout grow as they pass the tank located in the hallway for all to see.
Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is an environmental education program in which students...
- raise trout from eggs to fry.
- monitor tank water quality.
- engage in stream habitat study.
- learn to appreciate water resources.
- begin to foster a conservation ethic.
- grow to understand ecosystems.
Chesapeake Bay Workshop
Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Rappaport attended an 8 hour a day/ 5 day course called Chesapeake Classrooms. As a result of this summer course, Chesapeake Classrooms Teachers were able to:
Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Rappaport attended an 8 hour a day/ 5 day course called Chesapeake Classrooms. As a result of this summer course, Chesapeake Classrooms Teachers were able to:
- Identify through investigation and describe the key natural systems of the watershed.
- Identify the major challenges facing the health of the Bay.
- Use critical thinking, communication, collaboration in real world settings to understand their personal impact on the Bay watershed and the value of the watershe to themselves and their community.
- Identify three key strategies for restoring the health of the Bay
- Design and lead a field investigation and student action project on their schoolyard or a local natural area.
- identify and utilize classroom resources to design and implement a student action plan including CC online community, CBF education website, and external resources.
- Create a watershed unit utilizing CBF Issues Investigation Framework including three lessons they can complete with their students.
howard_county_cc_syllabus_2015.pdf | |
File Size: | 338 kb |
File Type: |
belinda_miller-chesapeake_classrooms_issues_investigation.doc | |
File Size: | 46 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Green School Workshop
Atholton Elementary School October 2012
Date: Thurs. Oct 18, 2012 from 4:30pm - 6pm
Location: Atholton Elementary
This presentation focused supporting schools through the process of being certified a MD Green School. The workshop was held at Atholton ES where participants toured the building to see "green projects" and how Atholton has embedded "being green" throughout their building and day! Mrs. Belinda Miller and Mrs. Sally Oswald attended and worked together with other teachers from all over Howard County to take "Green Schools" to a whole new level. The new Edmodo HCPSS Green School site was also introduced for collaboration among schools. Currently, Howard County has 43 certified Green Schools, including 30 elementary, 10 middle, and 3 high schools.
Location: Atholton Elementary
This presentation focused supporting schools through the process of being certified a MD Green School. The workshop was held at Atholton ES where participants toured the building to see "green projects" and how Atholton has embedded "being green" throughout their building and day! Mrs. Belinda Miller and Mrs. Sally Oswald attended and worked together with other teachers from all over Howard County to take "Green Schools" to a whole new level. The new Edmodo HCPSS Green School site was also introduced for collaboration among schools. Currently, Howard County has 43 certified Green Schools, including 30 elementary, 10 middle, and 3 high schools.
Oyster Reef Ball Workshop
Date: Dec. 5, 12, and 19, 2012 from 3:30-5:30
Location: Hammond Elementary School
Mrs. Sandy August came to HES to provide a workshop to the Chesapeake Bay Club and interested staff members on how to make an oyster reef ball. The you tube video below is a replica of the presentation she provides. After working together with Mrs. August to make one oyster reef ball, we went on to make two more. We plan to make several more in the spring with another environmental group in the school. To date, HES has made 20 oyster reef balls to place into the Chesapeake Bay. The students feel empowered when they are helping to solve the and environmental issue that they have been studying in the classroom.
Location: Hammond Elementary School
Mrs. Sandy August came to HES to provide a workshop to the Chesapeake Bay Club and interested staff members on how to make an oyster reef ball. The you tube video below is a replica of the presentation she provides. After working together with Mrs. August to make one oyster reef ball, we went on to make two more. We plan to make several more in the spring with another environmental group in the school. To date, HES has made 20 oyster reef balls to place into the Chesapeake Bay. The students feel empowered when they are helping to solve the and environmental issue that they have been studying in the classroom.
Environmental Education
Date: Spring, 2012
Location: Calleva
Pam Sneddon, Kelly Edwards, and Greg Walsh participated in Environmental Education. This class went way beyond looking at pollution and the effect of humans on the environment. It focused on learning from the environment, loving nature, and promoting a love of Earth to our students. While visiting the farm, participants made biodiesel fuel (picture below). They observed how the farm catches the rain water, builds with only what is on the farm, and reuses everything. It is a self-sustainable farm.
Location: Calleva
Pam Sneddon, Kelly Edwards, and Greg Walsh participated in Environmental Education. This class went way beyond looking at pollution and the effect of humans on the environment. It focused on learning from the environment, loving nature, and promoting a love of Earth to our students. While visiting the farm, participants made biodiesel fuel (picture below). They observed how the farm catches the rain water, builds with only what is on the farm, and reuses everything. It is a self-sustainable farm.
HES Recycles Workshop
Date: November 27, 2012
Location: Hammond Elementary
Alicia Moore, Recycling Program Coordinator from Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services visited Hammond Elementary for an entire day and met with each grade level individually to present on recycling in Howard County. All staff members and students attended these very informative presentations. This presentation prepared everyone in the school to do their best when deciding whether waste goes into the trash or recycling!
Location: Hammond Elementary
Alicia Moore, Recycling Program Coordinator from Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services visited Hammond Elementary for an entire day and met with each grade level individually to present on recycling in Howard County. All staff members and students attended these very informative presentations. This presentation prepared everyone in the school to do their best when deciding whether waste goes into the trash or recycling!
"Save the Ink" Workshop
Date: January 22, 2013
Location: Hammond Elementary
Participants: HES Staff
Mr. Walsh presented to our staff a presentation on how to send all of our documents to the OCE instead of our computer printers. This reduces the amount of ink cartridges used and saves HES a lot of money. Now, when teachers need to copy a document, they use the OCE and save the printers for small jobs.
Location: Hammond Elementary
Participants: HES Staff
Mr. Walsh presented to our staff a presentation on how to send all of our documents to the OCE instead of our computer printers. This reduces the amount of ink cartridges used and saves HES a lot of money. Now, when teachers need to copy a document, they use the OCE and save the printers for small jobs.
Waste-Free Lunches
Date: October 2012
Location: Hammond Elementary
Students from the Chesapeake Bay Club visited every classroom in the school to present a workshop to all students and staff about waste-free lunches. They modeled how to make a waste free lunch and discussed why this initiative will help our environment. This mini workshop was delivered prior to the start of Waste-Free Wednesdays and was accompanied by a powerpoint provided to the teachers to share with their classes.
Location: Hammond Elementary
Students from the Chesapeake Bay Club visited every classroom in the school to present a workshop to all students and staff about waste-free lunches. They modeled how to make a waste free lunch and discussed why this initiative will help our environment. This mini workshop was delivered prior to the start of Waste-Free Wednesdays and was accompanied by a powerpoint provided to the teachers to share with their classes.
Staff In-Service / Waste-Free Wednesday
The HES staff meet to discuss Waste Free Wednesday and how teachers could support their students and the school in this program. A powerpoint was sent to every teacher to share with their classes. It included information on landfills, natural resources, and tips for packing waste-free lunches. Teachers were also reminded to pack waste-free and recycle when possible. The support of the staff and administration has been the foundation for this very successful program.
MAEOE Conference
Date: February 7-10, 2013
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Attendees: Belinda Miller, Sally Oswald
MAEOE Conference Website: http://www.maeoe.org/conference/2013/index.php
Location: Ocean City, Maryland
Attendees: Belinda Miller, Sally Oswald
MAEOE Conference Website: http://www.maeoe.org/conference/2013/index.php
maeoe2013.pdf | |
File Size: | 2352 kb |
File Type: |
"Greenewit"
Date: April 22, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Hammond Elementary
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. GreeNewit will join HES staff and students to help educate our community on Earth Day, April 22, 2013. Documentation of this event can be found under school community. (Prior to Earth Day Josh Notes met with the HES teachers to share follow up activities to be used in the k-2 and 3-5 classrooms after the assemblies. All materials were also delivered. It was wonderful to have an expert in energy conservation train the staff. Lessons can be found under curriculum and instruction.)
Location: Hammond Elementary
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. GreeNewit will join HES staff and students to help educate our community on Earth Day, April 22, 2013. Documentation of this event can be found under school community. (Prior to Earth Day Josh Notes met with the HES teachers to share follow up activities to be used in the k-2 and 3-5 classrooms after the assemblies. All materials were also delivered. It was wonderful to have an expert in energy conservation train the staff. Lessons can be found under curriculum and instruction.)
Transatlantic Outreach Program/Green Education
Date: January 31, 2013
Location: Hammond Elementary Media Center
Attendance: 11 HES Classroom Teachers
(Shari McWain, Belinda Miller, Kelly Edwards, Pam Sneddon, Nicola Walker, Nanci Roth, Liz Kluh, Pam Nawrot, Sally Oswald, Julie Wethington, Marcia Davis, Michelle Ranker)
Greg Walsh met with 12 staff members to present the common environmental problems Germany and the United States currently face. The website below was introduced as a resource for teachers to use in their classrooms. Prepared lessons and activities on this site make it easy for everyone to implement Green Education..
TOP, Transatlantic Outreach Program, encourages cross-cultural dialogue and provides North American social studies educators with global understanding by providing curriculum, teacher training, and study tours that utilize Modern Germany as the basis for comparison and contrast. Germany is a global leader in environmental protection and "green" technologies. And perhaps most importantly, Germany and the USA share common problems and can work together to find common solutions.
Their motto is, "Think Transatlantic, By working together, we can solve today's toughest global challenges."
Transatlantic Outreach Program Website: Explore this website to find teaching materials for "Green" education.
Location: Hammond Elementary Media Center
Attendance: 11 HES Classroom Teachers
(Shari McWain, Belinda Miller, Kelly Edwards, Pam Sneddon, Nicola Walker, Nanci Roth, Liz Kluh, Pam Nawrot, Sally Oswald, Julie Wethington, Marcia Davis, Michelle Ranker)
Greg Walsh met with 12 staff members to present the common environmental problems Germany and the United States currently face. The website below was introduced as a resource for teachers to use in their classrooms. Prepared lessons and activities on this site make it easy for everyone to implement Green Education..
TOP, Transatlantic Outreach Program, encourages cross-cultural dialogue and provides North American social studies educators with global understanding by providing curriculum, teacher training, and study tours that utilize Modern Germany as the basis for comparison and contrast. Germany is a global leader in environmental protection and "green" technologies. And perhaps most importantly, Germany and the USA share common problems and can work together to find common solutions.
Their motto is, "Think Transatlantic, By working together, we can solve today's toughest global challenges."
Transatlantic Outreach Program Website: Explore this website to find teaching materials for "Green" education.
Environmental/Life Science Academy (2011-2012)
Rachel Lee, a third grade teacher at HES participated in the Environmental / Life Science Academy from the summer of 2011 to the summer of 2012. Teachers from all over the state of Maryland were instructed by a training team consisting of a university and secondary environmental, life science, or biology professor, and a science coach. The purpose of this yearlong training was to learn new skills and processes that better engage students through demonstrations and hands-on activities demonstrating the Environmental/Life Sciences concepts. Participants also learned new pedagogy, specific structures, routines, and strategies that support the success of every student in the science classroom. Lessons were co-developed, used in the classroom, and evaluated by an outside source.
hpim0414.jpg | |
File Size: | 1673 kb |
File Type: | jpg |
hpim0415.jpg | |
File Size: | 1395 kb |
File Type: | jpg |