School-Wide Environmental Behavior: "Greening Up the Classrooms"

     Teachers at Severna Park Middle School have embraced the practice of "greening up" their classrooms.  In a school-wide professional development, a school based Girl Scout troop came and spoke to the staff about the benefits of having plants in the classroom.  Each classroom teacher was given one plant for their room.  Since then, the Green School Committee has challenged teachers to add more plants.  Many teachers have taken the challenge and added many plants to their rooms.  The custodial staff has been very instrumental as well.  They care for the plants over the summers, so teachers do not have to worry about watering, etc.  Teachers talk to the students at the beginning of the year about why they have plants and their importance.  Currently, over 35 teachers have plants in their classrooms. Administrators have added plants to their offices as well.