Systemic Sustainability: 1.2 Professional Development
2016
2016: Clean Air, Inside and Out
Once again, the format of the annual green school all-staff professional development program entailed three rotations of approximately 30-45 members per session. Teachers became the students as 8th graders enlightened everyone about two environmental issues: indoor air quality and idling.
The first presentation focused on the initiative this group of students took in an effort to foster a health school environment by improving indoor air quality through the placement of plants in each classroom, office and multi-purpose room. The girls shared critical facts about the power of plants with respect to such matters as health and improved productivity. This was an interactive reinforcement to much of the information that they had provided when they delivered each plant, which included the importance and background of the project, as well as how to care for the plants, including school vacation and summertime considerations.
All staff expressed their appreciation and belief that this is truly a school improvement, as most, if not all, rooms had been devoid of plants. Staff also shared that they learned much about air quality and plants via this undertaking. It inspired them to share this information with their students, particularly when enlisting their help for the on-going care of the plants.
Following the lessons about indoor air quality was a presentation by a different student group which addressed outdoor air quality, as adversely impacted by idling. These solutions-oriented students addressed the matter of responsible transportation by implementing no idling zones on the SPMS campus.
The staff was shocked by much of what they had to learn. The adverse effects of idling were detailed, as were surprising data and existing laws on the matter. The staff learned actions they can take in their own actions. The session was also aimed at helping to further the reach of this information by talking to their students about this, who will hopefully share it with their parents and bus drivers.
Staff/Faculty Attendance List 65/90 teachers attended, 72%
Once again, the format of the annual green school all-staff professional development program entailed three rotations of approximately 30-45 members per session. Teachers became the students as 8th graders enlightened everyone about two environmental issues: indoor air quality and idling.
The first presentation focused on the initiative this group of students took in an effort to foster a health school environment by improving indoor air quality through the placement of plants in each classroom, office and multi-purpose room. The girls shared critical facts about the power of plants with respect to such matters as health and improved productivity. This was an interactive reinforcement to much of the information that they had provided when they delivered each plant, which included the importance and background of the project, as well as how to care for the plants, including school vacation and summertime considerations.
All staff expressed their appreciation and belief that this is truly a school improvement, as most, if not all, rooms had been devoid of plants. Staff also shared that they learned much about air quality and plants via this undertaking. It inspired them to share this information with their students, particularly when enlisting their help for the on-going care of the plants.
Following the lessons about indoor air quality was a presentation by a different student group which addressed outdoor air quality, as adversely impacted by idling. These solutions-oriented students addressed the matter of responsible transportation by implementing no idling zones on the SPMS campus.
The staff was shocked by much of what they had to learn. The adverse effects of idling were detailed, as were surprising data and existing laws on the matter. The staff learned actions they can take in their own actions. The session was also aimed at helping to further the reach of this information by talking to their students about this, who will hopefully share it with their parents and bus drivers.
Staff/Faculty Attendance List 65/90 teachers attended, 72%
