Woodside Montessori Wins 2013 Green Difference Award

MILLIS- 
Woodside Montessori Academy was recognized as a 2013 Green Difference School by Green Schools. The Massachusetts State House in Boston was the site for the 5th Annual Green Difference Awards on Wednesday, April 24th. The Gardner Auditorium was filled to capacity as Green Schools recognized individuals and schools for outstanding leadership and service.

Students in Kindergarten, Elementary, and Middle School were joined by their teachers and several parents to participate in the ceremony. “It was so impressive to see Woodside stand among only two other schools in the state honored for being environmentally responsible stewards of our world. Being part of an event like this that rewards environmental accountability was an important lesson for every student there – and a culmination of the many environmental lessons Woodside students learn every day,” states Christine Cahill, parent from Wrentham.

“At Woodside Montessori Academy we encourage students to develop a respect for, an understanding of, and a sense of responsibility for the environment. We seek to instill in our community a reverence for the earth and a sense of individual stewardship for the environment,” states teacher Cindy Stewart. “Our ultimate goal is to nurture each child's appreciation and understanding of the natural world by involving them in the processes of planning and maintaining an integrated, sustainable, ecologically-friendly environmental program.”

Each classroom environment at Woodside has a raised garden bed, incorporating a variety of integrated curriculum opportunities. The school also composts and uses rain barrels for garden watering. The Middle School students are beekeepers off school grounds. They learn how beekeeping enhances the environment and increases crop yields through pollination. Students learn how pollination helps the ecosystem remain diverse and sustainable.

“Green Schools is a statewide and nationally recognized organization that leads in the space of Environmental Education. Each year we are so proud to bring together participating schools, Government Officials, parents, teachers and those in the private sector with true environmental leaders that excel in making a difference when it comes to creating greener & healthier schools and communities,” said Robin Organ, Green Schools Executive Director.

State Representative and Green Schools Advisory Board Member, Jay Barrows welcomed State Officials, student ambassadors, faculty, parents and Green Schools board members. Alice Peisch, State Representative and Chair, Joint Committee on Education added her remarks along with Representative Anne Gobi and Senator Jamie Eldridge, and Boston City Councilor, John Connolly.