The lobby of the LCPS Administration Building transformed into a vibrant showcase of student-driven innovation as Green Team Leads from 25 schools shared their schools’ sustainability projects during a dynamic Gallery Walk. Held before the June 10 Loudoun County School Board meeting, the event buzzed with energy as educators, students, and community members explored the projects undertaken at each of the Green Team schools.
The presentation was part of the Office of Sustainability’s Green Teams pilot program, designed to spark curiosity and action around environmental stewardship. The initiative encouraged students to ask bold questions and tackle real-world challenges, and empowered educators to incorporate lessons about sustainability into everyday instruction.
Here are just a few highlights from some of the educators presenting their school’s projects.
At Cardinal Ridge Elementary, teacher Talia Greene led a Green Team project that took students outdoors to connect with nature and contribute to a lasting green space. Activities included identifying wildlife using Peterson’s field guide, exploring the school’s nature trail, complete with an Eagle Scout-built learning bench, and transforming the courtyard into a sanctuary featuring a garden and 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 shared. With much of the groundwork already laid, the Cardinal Ridge Green Team plans to build on this foundation, encouraging students to dig in – literally -- and help shape a space that will grow with them year after year.
At Freedom High School, biology teacher Hope Howard guided the school’s student-led Green Team, which helped bring learning to life by establishing a pollinator garden at the front of the school. To kick off the project, students researched native plants. This activity and their plant choices aligned with lessons from their biology curriculum, which includes a unit on native species. The garden not only supports local pollinators but also serves as a daily visual reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship. “The kids were very excited about the project,” said Ms. Howard, noting how the hands-on experience deepened their connection to the subject and their school community.
At J.Lupton Simpson Middle School, teacher Beth Suttie worked with her 8th-grade students to tackle recycling, while adding a creative twist. In order to motivate classes to really pitch in, the students informally "graded" classes on their recycling efforts, adding a fun layer of competition. The Simpson Green Team students also began developing a food recovery program aimed at reducing food waste and redistributing unused food, a project set to expand in the coming school year. “The 8th graders loved it,” Suttie shared. “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 spark a student-led initiative that transformed the school's existing outdoor learning spaces into a peaceful retreat enjoyed by the entire school community. The teachers report that working outside helps the students feel calm and happy. During the inaugural year, just 5th-grade students participated in the Green Team project at Lucketts. These dedicated students met during lunch breaks and even sacrificed part of their recess to plan and nurture the garden. Their enthusiasm for being outdoors and making a tangible impact has made the garden a source of joy and pride. This school year, plans are in the works to include 4th graders in the outdoor fun.
Clark Seipt, director of the Office of Sustainability, explained that the Green Teams Program is more than a sustainability initiative; it’s a catalyst for collaboration and impact across LCPS.
“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!” said Seipt.
The Green Teams program will continue in the 2025/26 school year with interested schools at any level – elementary, middle or high – encouraged to sign up before Sept. 19. Participating schools receive funding to support Green Team inquiry and action projects.