The QACPS Environmental Literacy Plan serves as a guide to prepare students to use 21st Century skills and knowledge to tackle the difficult environmental issues faced by Queen Anne’s County and the surrounding Chesapeake Watershed.
The plan provides a developmentally appropriate instructional program according to the standards from the Maryland Environmental Literacy Curriculum. The plan advances students’ knowledge, confidence, skills, and motivation to make decisions and take actions that create and maintain an optimal relationship between themselves and the environment, and preserve and protect the unique natural resources of Maryland, particularly those of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. The plan also supports teachers and administrators to engage in high-quality professional development in content knowledge, instructional materials, and methodology related to environmental education. All students have the opportunity to participate in the comprehensive environmental education program required by the State of Maryland to meet their graduation requirement in environmental literacy.
USDE Green Ribbon District
Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS) a 2023 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School, was honored in a ceremony Tuesday, August 8th, 2023, in Washington, D.C. QACPS was recognized for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and costs, promote better health, and ensure effective sustainability and environmental education. Representatives received sustainably crafted plaques and banners in recognition of their achievements. Queen Anne’s County Public Schools was nominated by the Maryland Department of Education. Press Release
QACPS Environmental Literacy Plan
The Queen Anne’s County Public Schools Environmental Literacy Plan is a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary environmental education program infused with our current curricular offerings and aligned with the Maryland Environmental Literacy Standards. This program spans pre-K through high school and focuses on the sustainability of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Queen Anne’s County Environmental Literacy Plan
QACPs Outdoor Classrooms Initiative
Queen Anne’s County Public Schools’ outdoor classrooms are a true testament to our commitment to providing students with innovative and transformative educational experiences. These outdoor learning spaces are more than just a breath of fresh air; they open doors to boundless possibilities for students to explore, learn, and grow in the embrace of nature’s wonders.
An Outdoor Classroom was constructed at each elementary school in QACPS. The classrooms are equipped with all the resources a teacher would need in order to engage students in learning while outdoors. With a strong emphasis on safety and a commitment to exploring new avenues of learning, these outdoor spaces serve as a shining example of how education can be elevated to greater heights.
100% Maryland Green Schools
In 2020, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools certified all schools as Maryland Green Schools. This achievement highlights our commitment to providing students with educational opportunities that empower them to make sustainable change and foster environmental literacy. The Maryland Green Schools Program (MDGS) is a sustainable school program that is nationally recognized as having a significant impact on students and schools. The program is aligned with the goals of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and supports Maryland State Department of Education graduation requirements and standards. For more information, community members can visit the Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE)
RESOURCES
- Maryland Environmental Literacy Standards
- Environmental Literacy Framework
- Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement
- Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs)
CONTACTS
Mr. Michael Page
Supervisor of Instruction
(410) 758-2403 ext. 178
202 Chesterfield Avenue
Centreville, Maryland 21617
[email protected]