Water Conservation/Water Pollution Prevention
During the 2011-2012 school year, Huntingtown High School worked with the National Aquarium on their wetland restoration project at Dominion Cove Point LNG. A select group of students accompanied Mrs. Rowder, Mrs. Dove, County Commission Steve Weems, and Senator Bernie Fowler to the shores of Dominion Cove Point, here in our county, and planted over 2,000 Spartina alternaforia plants! The restored wetland area provides a natural filtration system that helps prevent various pollutants from entering the Chesapeake Bay. The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming! Students also worked with Aquarium staff taking GPS coordinates and measuring water quality. We all celebrated with a fantastic lunch that Dominion Cove Point LNG provided for all of us!
2012-2013 allowed us to plant our Bay grasses during the fall in our 10'x10' pond. Throughout the school year, students have monitored our grasses and water salinity. We are scheduled to plant this years' grasses at Dominion Cove Point on April 9, 2013. We're looking forward to another great experience!
Starting during the 2010-2011 school year, Environmental Science students and teachers have worked collaboratively with members from the PLANS program to increase student and community awareness of the "state of the Bay" through rigorous, inquiry based activities. Students explore the issues the Bay is currently facing and how our everyday activities contribute to the quality of the Chesapeake Bay. After completing their investigations, students participate in a capstone activity where their results and recommendations for improving Bay health are presented to members of the partnership and our community.
In the spring of 2013, Huntingtown High School will increase community awareness of storm water runoff into the Chesapeake Bay by painting "Chesapeake Bay Storm Drain" above all drainage areas around campus parking lots.
To promote water conservation, HHS was built with motion-censored faucets in all student bathrooms.
Huntingtown High School was also built with several sediment ponds to catch pollutants from impervious surfaces so they do not reach Bay tributaries.
2012-2013 allowed us to plant our Bay grasses during the fall in our 10'x10' pond. Throughout the school year, students have monitored our grasses and water salinity. We are scheduled to plant this years' grasses at Dominion Cove Point on April 9, 2013. We're looking forward to another great experience!
Starting during the 2010-2011 school year, Environmental Science students and teachers have worked collaboratively with members from the PLANS program to increase student and community awareness of the "state of the Bay" through rigorous, inquiry based activities. Students explore the issues the Bay is currently facing and how our everyday activities contribute to the quality of the Chesapeake Bay. After completing their investigations, students participate in a capstone activity where their results and recommendations for improving Bay health are presented to members of the partnership and our community.
In the spring of 2013, Huntingtown High School will increase community awareness of storm water runoff into the Chesapeake Bay by painting "Chesapeake Bay Storm Drain" above all drainage areas around campus parking lots.
To promote water conservation, HHS was built with motion-censored faucets in all student bathrooms.
Huntingtown High School was also built with several sediment ponds to catch pollutants from impervious surfaces so they do not reach Bay tributaries.
Energy Conservation
The Board of Education started an initiative during the 2010-2011 school year offering schools a monetary bonus if they met a specific reduction goal. While Huntingtown High School did not meet their overall goal the first year, continued efforts allowed us to reach our goal the second year and we are on our way to receiving it this year. Our energy consumption has declined overall which has been a challenge due to the community use of our building. In order for us to reach our goals, the gym lights were replaced with high efficient light fixtures, the stairwells had their lighting fixtures replaced with fixtures with occupancy sensors, and the exterior and inside lobby areas had their wall mounted lighting fixtures replaced with led lighting fixtures. In addition, student presentations to staff along with reminders and tips have led us to this success. At various times throughout the past school years, HHS' Environmental Club have posted energy conservation tips in staff emails, encouraged teachers to turn the lights off and use natural light, and participated in "Lights Out Day." Stickers have been placed on light switches, Smart Boards, and computer monitors to remind staff and students to turn off electronics when not in use. Before holiday breaks, staff is encouraged to unplug electronic devices to reduce "phantom" loads and teach students about energy stewardship.
Family Consumer Science classes have also taken steps to cut down on energy usage by washing dishes correctly rather than by continually running hot water to wash dishes and use the appropriate size burner to match the size of the pot used on the stove so as not to waste electricity.
Family Consumer Science classes have also taken steps to cut down on energy usage by washing dishes correctly rather than by continually running hot water to wash dishes and use the appropriate size burner to match the size of the pot used on the stove so as not to waste electricity.
2010-2011 Energy Incentive Flyer | |
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2011-2012 Energy Incentive Flyer | |
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2012-2013 Energy Incentive Flyer | |
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Lights Out Poster | |
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Waste Reduction
During the 2011-2012 school year students placed "Into the Landfill" stickers on trashcans around the building to remind people where their waste will end up and hopefully encourage people to recycle. Recycling bins are placed in common areas around the building as well as in each classroom.
During the 2012-2013 school year, students and staff were presented with waste reduction ideas and recycling information for our single-stream recycling program. Videos were provided that explain the single-stream recycling program as well as the recycling process for several types of recycled products. Students and staff also were challenged with waste-free lunch.
Family Consumer Science classes help reduce our waste by saving vegetable and fruit peelings from food classes to use for a compost pile for the garden. Classes also try to refrain from using paper towels and instead use washable fabric towels and dishrags to clean. Making foods from scratch as opposed to using pre-packaged convenience foods are promoted to cut down on the use of chemicals used in foods and cutting down on waste put into the environment by the packaging of these foods.
In fashion and design classes, we reuse and recycle clothing, fabric, buttons, and trims in many ways. Some students have made purses and skirts out of old jeans and have used donated old fabrics and patterns and transformed them into "retro" creations to wear and use to decorate their rooms.
2010: HHS student, Christa Allen, hosted the 3R's of Fashion Eco Expo at Grace Brethren Church on September 25 from 2:00-5:00 pm for girls ages 11-18 (high school and middle school aged). At the event the participants learned about the cons of simply throwing away used clothes and eco-friendly alternatives to just discarding old clothes. They learned the 3 R's of fashion: Reduce retail shopping, Reuse old clothing, and Recycle used clothing. At the event, along with an informative presentation, the girls participated in a clothing swap, where the 5 or more clothing items they each brought were available to swap/exchange for new-to-you clothing. There were also stations for girls to bring an old t-shirt to reconstruct (by simply using scissors) into a new t-shirt or clothing item. Local youth groups were involved in this project to help spread the message of reusing and recycling old clothes and spread the message of stewardship.
Through the use of technology, HHS has reduced the amount of paper being used. Several classrooms now use Netbooks for student work. All classrooms are equipped with Smart Boards which have reduced the amount of paper, markers, erasers, and cleaners used. Many teachers use Edmodo for student communication as well as online quizzes. In addition, Mrs. Younkers, our media specialist is offering books on Kindle and e-documents and presents monthly ideas to staff for technology instruction during "Media Minute."
During the 2012-2013 school year, students and staff were presented with waste reduction ideas and recycling information for our single-stream recycling program. Videos were provided that explain the single-stream recycling program as well as the recycling process for several types of recycled products. Students and staff also were challenged with waste-free lunch.
Family Consumer Science classes help reduce our waste by saving vegetable and fruit peelings from food classes to use for a compost pile for the garden. Classes also try to refrain from using paper towels and instead use washable fabric towels and dishrags to clean. Making foods from scratch as opposed to using pre-packaged convenience foods are promoted to cut down on the use of chemicals used in foods and cutting down on waste put into the environment by the packaging of these foods.
In fashion and design classes, we reuse and recycle clothing, fabric, buttons, and trims in many ways. Some students have made purses and skirts out of old jeans and have used donated old fabrics and patterns and transformed them into "retro" creations to wear and use to decorate their rooms.
2010: HHS student, Christa Allen, hosted the 3R's of Fashion Eco Expo at Grace Brethren Church on September 25 from 2:00-5:00 pm for girls ages 11-18 (high school and middle school aged). At the event the participants learned about the cons of simply throwing away used clothes and eco-friendly alternatives to just discarding old clothes. They learned the 3 R's of fashion: Reduce retail shopping, Reuse old clothing, and Recycle used clothing. At the event, along with an informative presentation, the girls participated in a clothing swap, where the 5 or more clothing items they each brought were available to swap/exchange for new-to-you clothing. There were also stations for girls to bring an old t-shirt to reconstruct (by simply using scissors) into a new t-shirt or clothing item. Local youth groups were involved in this project to help spread the message of reusing and recycling old clothes and spread the message of stewardship.
Through the use of technology, HHS has reduced the amount of paper being used. Several classrooms now use Netbooks for student work. All classrooms are equipped with Smart Boards which have reduced the amount of paper, markers, erasers, and cleaners used. Many teachers use Edmodo for student communication as well as online quizzes. In addition, Mrs. Younkers, our media specialist is offering books on Kindle and e-documents and presents monthly ideas to staff for technology instruction during "Media Minute."
Acceptable Materials | |
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HHS Recycles Flyer | |
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Eco Fashion Flyer | |
File Size: | 369 kb |
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Habitat Restoration
For the past 3 school years, we have received a baby diamondback terrapin from the National Aquarium in the fall, raised them in an aquarium to allow them to grow throughout the winter instead of hibernating, and then in the spring released the terrapin back at Poplar Island, where it hatched, in hopes of increasing terrapin populations in the Chesapeake Bay.
The baby terrapins we have received in the fall have weighed between 5.5 grams to 10.5 grams. Throughout the school year, students contribute to the husbandry of the terrapin, collect data on our terrapin, and learn about terrapin populations in the wild. Upon the release of our first two terrapins, Myca and Sea Lo Green, they have weighed over 350 grams! Students and community members have truly enjoyed participating in this program.
Our experience has been shared with our community at the Calvert County Green Expo and photographs of our terrapin have even earned recognition at our county fair.
The first year we participated, 2010-2011, we were able to take a field trip to Poplar Island for our terrapin, Myca's release. During the release we also took advantage of participating in habitat restoration of Poplar Island by planting Bay grasses. While it was one of the hottest days of the month, 100 F, we all enjoyed contributing to the restoration of native habitat of our terrapin and many other Bay species.
The second year, 2011-2012, we did not plant Bay grasses at Poplar Island due to the current construction levels of the various island cells. We did; however, get to tour the island and see how our efforts from the previous year flourished and provided the necessary elements for many bird species and muskrats, as well as the terrapins. We learned about the history of Poplar Island, how the island is being reconstructed, and the water quality parameters that are being monitored. We are really looking forward to releasing this year's terrapin, Marley, on May 1, 2013!
Spring 2013 bluebird boxes will be added around campus in hopes of providing nesting areas for bluebirds and increase bluebird populations.
During the 2011-2012 school year, improvements were made to our courtyard by planting native plants and trees and protecting the area with wooden fencing. In October 2011, Mrs. Hanners
The baby terrapins we have received in the fall have weighed between 5.5 grams to 10.5 grams. Throughout the school year, students contribute to the husbandry of the terrapin, collect data on our terrapin, and learn about terrapin populations in the wild. Upon the release of our first two terrapins, Myca and Sea Lo Green, they have weighed over 350 grams! Students and community members have truly enjoyed participating in this program.
Our experience has been shared with our community at the Calvert County Green Expo and photographs of our terrapin have even earned recognition at our county fair.
The first year we participated, 2010-2011, we were able to take a field trip to Poplar Island for our terrapin, Myca's release. During the release we also took advantage of participating in habitat restoration of Poplar Island by planting Bay grasses. While it was one of the hottest days of the month, 100 F, we all enjoyed contributing to the restoration of native habitat of our terrapin and many other Bay species.
The second year, 2011-2012, we did not plant Bay grasses at Poplar Island due to the current construction levels of the various island cells. We did; however, get to tour the island and see how our efforts from the previous year flourished and provided the necessary elements for many bird species and muskrats, as well as the terrapins. We learned about the history of Poplar Island, how the island is being reconstructed, and the water quality parameters that are being monitored. We are really looking forward to releasing this year's terrapin, Marley, on May 1, 2013!
Spring 2013 bluebird boxes will be added around campus in hopes of providing nesting areas for bluebirds and increase bluebird populations.
During the 2011-2012 school year, improvements were made to our courtyard by planting native plants and trees and protecting the area with wooden fencing. In October 2011, Mrs. Hanners
Structures for Environmental Learning
During the 2009-2010 school year, HHS' Environmental Club sponsored a student poetry contest. Students submitted various nature centered poems to be posted along the future nature trail. The Environmental Club worked with the Cross Country Coach to create our Nature Trail during the 2010-2011 school year. Modeled after the Robert Frost Trail in the Green Mountains, selected poems from the previous year's contest were put onto signs and then posted along the trail. HHS' Nature Trail was dedicated in the spring of 2011. Since it's creation, students, staff, and community members have enjoyed the educational and recreational opportunities it offers.
In the spring of 2012, with help from the National Aquarium, students constructed a shallow, temporary pond to grow Bay grasses. The grasses were then transplanted along Chesapeake Bay shoreline in Calvert County. In the fall of 2012, the pond was revitalized for another planting of Bay grasses.
Huntingtown High School has a native garden with signage to provide information to the community about the importance of landscaping with native flora and the benefits to wildlife. Family Consumer Science will be planting a garden adjacent to the classroom in spring 2013. Students will plant lettuce, greens, peas, herbs, edible flowers for spring and then later in August they will plant lettuce, greens, broccoli winter squash, etc. The produce will be used in cooking labs to demonstrate to the students the whole idea that they can grow their own healthful foods at a low cost and to promote the "Farm to Table" idea.
In the spring of 2012, with help from the National Aquarium, students constructed a shallow, temporary pond to grow Bay grasses. The grasses were then transplanted along Chesapeake Bay shoreline in Calvert County. In the fall of 2012, the pond was revitalized for another planting of Bay grasses.
Huntingtown High School has a native garden with signage to provide information to the community about the importance of landscaping with native flora and the benefits to wildlife. Family Consumer Science will be planting a garden adjacent to the classroom in spring 2013. Students will plant lettuce, greens, peas, herbs, edible flowers for spring and then later in August they will plant lettuce, greens, broccoli winter squash, etc. The produce will be used in cooking labs to demonstrate to the students the whole idea that they can grow their own healthful foods at a low cost and to promote the "Farm to Table" idea.
Responsible Transportation
Calvert County Public Schools currently employs a "no idle" policy.
Healthy School Environment
All of our paper products (toilet paper & hand towels) are made from recycled paper. Our floor finish products are certified green and we were the first school system in the country to go completely green on our floors. Our soap and window cleaner are both green products and the containers and spray bottles are made from recycled plastic and are recyclable. We do single stream recycling throughout the system.
For the 2012-2013 school year, the cafeteria has offered more fresh food choices and have included darker greens in salads. Fried foods are not offered; only baked. In addition, Ms. McQuighan's Family Consumer Science started their own gardens to use fresh produce in their recipes and promote the Farm to Table initiative.
For the 2012-2013 school year, the cafeteria has offered more fresh food choices and have included darker greens in salads. Fried foods are not offered; only baked. In addition, Ms. McQuighan's Family Consumer Science started their own gardens to use fresh produce in their recipes and promote the Farm to Table initiative.