Spotlight on Hammond Elementary School
Reflection Summary
Hammond Elementary School has been a dedicated Green School since 2005. The first students that participated in this program have now been part of Green Schools through elementary, middle, and high school. Frequently these students return to share initiatives they are involved in at Hammond Middle, Reservoir High, Atholton High, and Hammond High. A passion to take care of the Earth has been instilled in all students that have gone through HES.
At Hammond, 4 environmental clubs have been formed to create a platform where students can become leaders in environmental programs. The Green Team, Friends of the Earth, Earth 911, and the Chesapeake Bay Club all allow students to develop and run programs educating Hammond on ways to care for our watershed and Earth. The popularity of these clubs is an indication that Hammond is continually increasing lifetime "Stewards of the Earth.
The instructional practices in all classrooms have overwhelmingly supported the HES Green School atmosphere. On a daily basis, students are learning about the environment across all curriculum areas. A visitor can see that environmental science is alive at Hammond. Students are at the local stream analyzing the health of the water, others are busy in the gardens planting vegetables and creating/maintaining environments to attract butterflies and birds, trout are being raised in tanks to be released in the spring, walls are covered with artwork displaying the passion our students have for the environment. Countless other activities will be highlighted later in this application.
Throughout the years, staff members have embraced environmental studies with their classes knowing that these activities keep students engaged and improve attendance. Teachers have participated in professional development to better incorporate authentic environmental activities into the county standards. HES students come to school excited when they know they are making a difference; they know what they are doing is important for improving and protecting the quality of our Earth. The smiles and excitement are evident each day!
It has become routine for everyone to think GREEN. Recycling containers are in every space of the building and multiple collection boxes are available for materials to be recycled and reused through programs, During lunch many students bring waste free lunches and are having discussions about the benefits of zero trash. Teachers reduce use of paper by utilizing white boards, technology, games, and reusable learning centers.
Student created signs are in all classrooms reminding everyone to turn off water, lights, projectors, and document cameras. This practice has carried over into students' homes where they have shared that they make signs with the same reminders. Parents have informed us that their children are now patrolling their homes looking for ways to decrease their footprint. Stories of students recycling, gardening, reusing, and reducing waste at home have been shared. A grandparent is our master gardener and he works every year with students to create a garden ready for harvest in the spring. Another parent wrote and received a grant to have a local artist work with ALL students on a Chesapeake Bay wall mural made of glass pieces. Cabbage plants are raised at home with all third grade students. These are just a few examples of how the environmental efforts have spread throughout the community.
During the past 14 years, daily green school instruction has turned into a natural way of thinking for the community of Hammond. When decisions are being made, how the environment is impacted is always a consideration. So come and see for yourself! Visit Hammond Elementary School today and you too will feel the enthusiasm, respect, and compassion felt by all that enter the open doors. We know the staff, students, and their families will always be stewards of the earth as they move forward! Hammond has pledged to continue living a Green lifestyle.