In conjunction with the University of Maryland’s Extension of Master Gardeners, The Calverton School is proud to announce that their Huntingtown campus is now Bay Wise Certified. The Bay Wise Program focuses on landscape management best practices that, when followed, provide optimum conditions for better Chesapeake Bay water quality and the conservation of native plants and wildlife.
The Calverton School is fortunate to be steward to 153 acres of forest, streams and marshlands between the Patuxent River and the Chesapeake Bay. Their students regularly explore the wetland trails located just behind the Lower School to study and appreciate all that Calvert County’s unique ecosystems have to offer. Additionally, the students maintain a sustainable school garden which helps them understand the importance of composting, organic vegetable growing, and nutrition. Earth Day is an all school event where the students construct animal habitats, plant native species, remove invasive plant species, and clean up debris from the campus. All year long Calverton supports the Trex Composite Decking plastic bag recycling program with donations of over 750 pounds of plastic bags last year alone. Environmental science is an essential part of the science education in every age group at Calverton. Upper School students have the opportunity to earn the International Baccalaureate Diploma, which includes Environmental Studies and Biology options.
Master Gardeners, Melanie Crowder and Denise Moroney inspected Calverton’s campus on November 3rd, in accordance with the Bay Wise Yardstick. The Yardstick is an extensive checklist that asks what actions are being taken to control storm-water runoff, encourage wildlife, and protect the waterfront. This includes proper mowing techniques, watering efficiently, managing yard pests with Integrated Pest Management, mulching appropriately, recycling yard waste, fertilizing wisely, and planting wisely. Of the 36 points needed to meet Bay Wise standards, The Calverton School surpassed this with a total of 46 points.
THE CALVERTON SCHOOL
The Calverton School is a Pre-K through12th grade independent college-preparatory school. Calverton provides a day program, as well as, a 5 or 7 day boarding program housed on campus in the One World Residential Village. The campus is located in Huntingtown, Maryland, which is approximately 45 minutes southeast of Washington, D.C. and 30 minutes south of Annapolis, MD. The majority of their students come from five counties, including Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, and Prince Georges, as well as several different states and countries. Fostering a culture of respect, high expectations, and shared experiences, The Calverton School instills in students intellectual curiosity, personal responsibility, and a strong work ethic to prepare them for higher education and responsible citizenship in a democratic and global community.
To learn more about the International Baccalaureate Diploma please visit www.ibo.org. For more information on the University of Maryland Extension’s Bay Wise Program, and how your property can become Bay Wise Certified, please visit: extension.umd.edu/ baywise or call 410-535-3662.
For more information or to apply for the 2019/2020 school year visit, calvertonschool.org or call 410-535-0216
