1.3 Sustainable Schools
1.3.1 School-wide Behavior Changes
#1 - Reusable water bottles and refilling stations
Centennial High School has four water filling stations that are available for students and staff to refill their water bottles. Not only does this feature promote healthy hydration, but encourages the use of reusable drink-ware as opposed to single use, throw away bottles. On employee appreciation day in 2019, Principal Dillon distributed a gift of a metal water bottle to every staff member in the building. In 2017, as part of Centennial's 40th Anniversary celebration, each staff member was given a 24oz insulated tumbler cup. Additionally, Centennial has had Naglene water bottle for purchase at many events. All of these containers are attractive ways to show our school pride and promote using reusable containers and avoiding waste throughout the school building.
Centennial High School has four water filling stations that are available for students and staff to refill their water bottles. Not only does this feature promote healthy hydration, but encourages the use of reusable drink-ware as opposed to single use, throw away bottles. On employee appreciation day in 2019, Principal Dillon distributed a gift of a metal water bottle to every staff member in the building. In 2017, as part of Centennial's 40th Anniversary celebration, each staff member was given a 24oz insulated tumbler cup. Additionally, Centennial has had Naglene water bottle for purchase at many events. All of these containers are attractive ways to show our school pride and promote using reusable containers and avoiding waste throughout the school building.
#2 - Motion-sensitive lights
Centennial High School classrooms and work areas have motion-sensitive lights. When occupants have left the room, lights will automatically go out in the room. This assures that unoccupied rooms are not wasting energy.
Centennial High School classrooms and work areas have motion-sensitive lights. When occupants have left the room, lights will automatically go out in the room. This assures that unoccupied rooms are not wasting energy.
# 3 - Recycling
In the teacher copy rooms, empty toner cartridges are collected from printers and photo-copying machines. They are boxed by administrative assistants and mailed off to be recycled. It is estimated we recycle about 60 cartridges a year. |
#5 - Indoor Environmental Quality control
Centennial High School uses Green Certified soaps and cleaning products. We follow the Indoor Environmental Quality standards set by the county. Administrators make sure staff is aware of IEQ guidelines through staff meetings, email correspondence and periodic walk through inspections.
Centennial High School uses Green Certified soaps and cleaning products. We follow the Indoor Environmental Quality standards set by the county. Administrators make sure staff is aware of IEQ guidelines through staff meetings, email correspondence and periodic walk through inspections.
1.3.2 Systemic Partnership
#1 Curriculum specialist offering materials for lessons
Implementing NGSS and preparing students for the MISA has brought new challenges to science teachers. In recent years, the Biology and Biology GT curriculums have been revamped and presented to the teachers at Centennial High School. Throughout the year and during professional development workshops, teachers collaborate under the guidance of the Howard County Science Office. Additionally, teachers offer feedback to the curriculum specialist about the implementation of the new material.
Implementing NGSS and preparing students for the MISA has brought new challenges to science teachers. In recent years, the Biology and Biology GT curriculums have been revamped and presented to the teachers at Centennial High School. Throughout the year and during professional development workshops, teachers collaborate under the guidance of the Howard County Science Office. Additionally, teachers offer feedback to the curriculum specialist about the implementation of the new material.
#2 - Application to Install a Rain Garden
Centennial High School has a need for a large scale rain garden to capture run-off and slow problems of erosion along the driveway to the teacher's parking lot. The planning and coordination for a project like this is long, tedious and espensive. We have taken steps by completing a "6060" form for Improvements to School Sites or Facilities to the Howard County Department of Education. Additionally, school staff has met with engineers, contractors and Greg Connor, assistant manager of School Grounds Services for the Howard County Public School System
Centennial High School has a need for a large scale rain garden to capture run-off and slow problems of erosion along the driveway to the teacher's parking lot. The planning and coordination for a project like this is long, tedious and espensive. We have taken steps by completing a "6060" form for Improvements to School Sites or Facilities to the Howard County Department of Education. Additionally, school staff has met with engineers, contractors and Greg Connor, assistant manager of School Grounds Services for the Howard County Public School System
|