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.

Find out what's happening in Upper Marlborowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

County school officials applauded the students during Monday morning's ceremony. There was also a performance from the school's second-grade class.

Find out what's happening in Upper Marlborowith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Upper Marlboro