Christ Episcopal School A "Green School"

Christ Episcopal School has been certified as a Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education "Green School."

According to parent Eric Jensen, last year, parents, teachers and students created a Children’s Garden and Outdoor Classroom – an environment designed to develop children’s interest and appreciation of nature. This year, a new "Learning Pond" was installed in the school’s courtyard where students will be encouraged to watch, observe and learn by combining classroom concepts with real world activities. CES parents D’Anna Jensen and Bill Schillerstrom along with CES kindergarten teacher, Cathy Kashatus, led the effort to install the pond, creating a natural ecosystem for plants and wildlife. (Go here for more photos.)

“Our hope is that the pond and outdoor classroom will develop and expand our children’s love of nature and increase their desire to learn about the world around them," said parent D'Anna Jensen. "We want them to realize they can make a difference in the world and having an outdoor classroom is one step towards that goal."

Of interest is also the fact that working on the pond was the Eagle Scout project for Max Kashatus of Rockville's Boy Scout Troop 447.

On Friday, April 25, CES will hold a dedication service where students and teachers will take a contemplative walk through the Children’s Garden and Outdoor Classroom.

(Photo by Eric Jensen.)