Schools
Barack Obama Elementary School Celebrates Environmental Award
Monday morning's ceremony included songs by second-graders and a speech by Superintendent William Hite Jr.
The students and faculty of Barack Obama Elementary School gathered in the multipurpose room this morning to celebrate its LEED -- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design -- Gold certification.
The Upper Marlboro school, which opened in August, received 45 out of 69 points from the U.S. Green Building Council for its waterless urinals, dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucets. The school is one of 6 LEED Gold certified schools in Maryland, according to the green building council.
The school also uses a geothermal piping system under its play areas, which provides heat in the winter and cooling in the summer. The piping system eliminates the need for boilers and a cooling tower.
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County school officials applauded the students during Monday morning's ceremony. There was also a performance from the school's second-grade class.
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