The lobby of the Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Administration Building recently hosted a Gallery Walk, where Green Team Leads from 25 schools presented their sustainability projects. The event, held before the June 10 School Board meeting, allowed educators, students, and community members to view a range of environmental initiatives developed by student teams.
The presentations were part of the Office of Sustainability’s Green Teams pilot program. This initiative aims to promote environmental stewardship among students and staff by integrating sustainability topics into classroom instruction and encouraging hands-on projects.
At Cardinal Ridge Elementary School, teacher Talia Greene led students in activities such as identifying wildlife with field guides and developing a courtyard garden with a calming corner. “It’s great seeing their faces light up, just from being outside and helping create something that will be used from year to year. It’s been very impactful,” Greene said.
Freedom High School’s Green Team established a pollinator garden at the school entrance under biology teacher Hope Howard’s guidance. Students researched native plants for the project as part of their biology curriculum. “The kids were very excited about the project,” Howard said.
J.Lupton Simpson Middle School’s Green Team worked on recycling efforts with support from teacher Beth Suttie. The team introduced informal competitions among classes and began developing a food recovery program aimed at reducing waste. “The 8th graders loved it,” Suttie said. “They feel like they’re really doing something to save the planet—they’re just irritated they have to move on to high school and won’t be able to continue this fun work at Simpson. But I’m sure their exposure to this project has sparked some sustainable thinking.”
At Lucketts Elementary School, teachers Nancy Little and Maura Dennen helped students turn outdoor spaces into gardens that serve as peaceful retreats for the school community. Fifth-grade participants met during lunch breaks and recesses to plan and care for the garden, with plans underway to include fourth graders next year.
Clark Seipt, director of the Office of Sustainability, described the program’s impact: “The Green Teams Program empowers LCPS students and educators to work together to tackle real-world challenges that threaten our environment. We know that when we participate in sustainable practices like recycling, gardening, and energy conservation at school, those behaviors inevitably spill out into our homes and communities – especially when our children and youth are leading the charge! It’s a win for everyone!”
The Green Teams program will continue in the 2025/26 school year with funding available for participating elementary, middle or high schools who sign up before September 19.
