The Maryland Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education (MAEOE) recently recognized Saint Peter's School as a new 2024 Maryland Green School.    

Maryland Green School certification is awarded to school’s that demonstrate and document a continuous effort to integrate sustainable environmental management practices, environmental education curriculum, professional development opportunities, and community engagement into their daily operations. The award signifies a school’s commitment to developing stewards of the earth and reducing the school’s impact. 
“Saint Peter's is proud to be the first school in the Archdiocese of Washington to receive this recognition. Stewardship of our planet aligns with the tenets of our Catholic faith,” said Ms. Lauren DeZinno, Saint Peter’s Principal.  

Parent volunteer, Mrs. Margaret Giron, spearheaded the effort to become a Green School. Starting in 2021, Giron collaborated with faculty members Mrs. Kelly Nichols and Mrs. Kim Caldeira, parent volunteers, and the Student Environmental Club, to plan and implement practices that promote stewardship of our earth.  
Over the last two years, all grade levels have participated in environmental projects. Activities have included creating eco-friendly cleaning products, campus and community trash clean-ups, recycling drives, building bird and insect habitats, a Walk N’ Roll to School Day, using and maintaining outdoor learning spaces, and planning, designing and installing a rain garden.  

“With all the scientific data we have today, integrating environmental awareness and stewardship into as many aspects of our curriculum across the board is simply responsible education. Being good stewards of the Earth aligns with tenets of our Catholic faith and beliefs. It was an honor to collaborate with students, teachers, and our community to achieve this award. We look forward to continuing these hands-on activities, engaging our students and the Saint Peter’s community to live up to MAEOE’s goals and objectives,” said Mrs. Kelly Nichols, Faculty Green Team Lead and 2nd Grade Teacher. 

“It has been a delight to see the spirit of stewardship taking root in our students. As Catholic Christians, our faith reminds us of our responsibility to care for the Earth, which is our common home and the inheritance we share with all of humanity. Even with all the distractions of modern life, our students' love and concern for our environment remains a vigorous source of inspiration to the adults in our school community,” said Mrs. Kimberly Caldeira, Environmental Club Lead and Middle School Science Teacher. 
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MAOEO established the Maryland Green School Program in 1999 to allow schools and their communities to evaluate their efforts in environmental sustainability. There are 654 active Maryland Green Schools, 34% of all Maryland schools. According to MAOEO, this network of Green Schools is significantly improving the environment at schools and in the community by reducing and managing waste, energy, and water. 

By Erin Pant

Saint Peter’s School’s spring production of “The Little Mermaid JR.” made a splash, transporting audiences into a magical kingdom under the sea.   
 
Eighty students brought the classic fairy tale to life with outstanding vocal performances, lively choreography, vibrant costumes, and enchanting sets. “Under the Sea,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and “Kiss the Girl,” were a few standouts from the twenty-nine musical numbers performed.    
 
Drama Director Mrs. Phyllis Bottegal was thrilled to bring “The Little Mermaid JR.” to the stage, noting the many valuable lessons it has to offer. One of the biggest lessons is to never give up on your hopes, wishes, and dreams.  
 
The spring production is a culmination of months of practice. 
 
“We begin in September with auditions. We then hold callbacks. Our students fill both front and back of the house roles. They are actors, stage crew, lights, microphones, sound, props, costumes, makeup, ushers, and spotlight workers,” said Bottegal.  
 
The students attend rehearsals twice a week where they learn the blocking, music, and lines. 
 
“My goal is to provide the students with an opportunity they may never have the chance to do once they go off to high school. Over the course of the year, I see the students build their confidence and learn to work and support one and other as a team,” Bottegal also said.  
 
Producing the play is also a team effort on the faculty side. Mr. Nguyen, the music director, helps with choreography and sound. Mrs. O’Keefe assists with costumes, props, and the set. Mrs. Pak manages the makeup. Mrs. Hauge oversees the finances and creates the printed program and Ms. Gallagher serves as the producer handling a variety of important tasks including purchasing, and communication between the parents, students, and administration. 
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“Our students did an amazing job. I love seeing how each year the students work so hard and are so proud of themselves and the accomplishments they have done. It’s so eye opening for them to see how we begin and end, with a great show each year,” said Bottegal.  
 
Mrs. Bottegal is already looking forward to next year, which will mark the 25th anniversary of Saint Peter’s School Drama Program. “I tell the students that being in drama opens a world of opportunities for them. It helps them to build courage, self-discipline, and teaches them to use their voice so that they will be heard.”