An Orange County Public Schools Employee Publication
October 2023 Vol. 49, Issue 2
“Green” Culture at Arbor Ridge K-8 SETS NATIONAL STANDARD
ByLauren Roth
Amanda Ferguson
Second-grade teacher and Green Team Chair
A
t Arbor Ridge K-8, there are “green” surprises around nearly every corner: garden beds ready for students to plant, chickens strutting in a courtyard, bins for recycling items like markers and plastic bags – even buckets to use for growing plants hydroponically. Being earth-friendly is part of the culture at this neighborhood school located west of University High School and the University of Central Florida. And last year, Arbor Ridge was one of three OCPS schools to earn national recognition as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School.
“Our Green Initiatives continue to flourish year after year, and I’m so proud of the school culture we’re building around sustainability,” said Principal Vanessa DeMars. New this year, the chickens are being shepherded by School Clerk Linda Kuhl and Art Teacher Sean Nagy. A grant-funded solar panel is ready to be assembled. The driving force behind the green push is second-grade teacher and Green Team Chair Amanda Ferguson, who first kicked off the efforts six years ago. “The more students love it, the more teachers get involved,” said Ferguson, who was part of the team who went to Washington, D.C., for the award ceremony in August.
Ferguson said Arbor Ridge has succeeded by both having the support of leadership and by following the example of other schools, such as Millennia Gardens Elementary, a previous Green Ribbon School honoree. “Now we’re becoming mentors to other schools,” Ferguson said. “My advice is to pick one thing and start with that – like recycling, a garden or composting. Make it student-led – that’s why we’re doing it!” Once more students are involved, it’s possible to add on another element, she said. Arbor Ridge has exemplary company within OCPS. Only about 700 schools nationwide have been named Green Ribbon schools since Continued on page 2