Professional Development
As part of a county wide professional development training staff members are required to complete the Indoor Environmental Quality Training on Safe Schools (online training) is completed prior to September 29th 2017. This annual training requires staff to understand the effects of poor indoor environment quality, common pollutants and essential good practices of a quality indoor environment. Each staff member receives a certificate upon completion of the training.
IEQ Data available on:
thes.hcpss.org
IEQ Data available on:
thes.hcpss.org
In September 2017 Barb Michaelian attended the Green School Certification training at Reservoir High School. The purpose of the training was to introduce new Green School committee members with the requirements of becoming re-certified. The presenters talked the participants through the application process, requirements of MAOEO and offered. assistance when your school was due for re-certification The participants were given lots of information and e-mail address within our school district to contact for support in getting our school re-certified.
Science Committee co-chair Kelly Dvorak participated in a 45hour book study on the NGSS. The book study culminated in the presentation of a lesson showing the implementation of the NGSS at Thunder Hill. The study was for teachers to go hand in hand with the implementation of the new Howard County Science curriculum that utilized the NGSS. All Thunder Hill science teachers are now responsible for teaching lessons that align with the NGSS. (
greeNEWit Training
greeNEWit presented at a staff meeting to explain the greeNEWit program, including the fundraising component, so that staff can partake as well. Through the presentation teachers will be given additional ideas as to how they can incorporate energy awareness into their classrooms. greeNEWit presented to 66 THES teachers, 436 students and sent invitations to all families to become involved in the "three R's" as well as the energy audit programs (March, 2014)
greeNEWit presented at a staff meeting to explain the greeNEWit program, including the fundraising component, so that staff can partake as well. Through the presentation teachers will be given additional ideas as to how they can incorporate energy awareness into their classrooms. greeNEWit presented to 66 THES teachers, 436 students and sent invitations to all families to become involved in the "three R's" as well as the energy audit programs (March, 2014)
Howard County Recycling Manager Gina Bonomo presents annually to 66 staff members at staff meetings. She supports and encourages recycling and provides leadership and a role model for our teachers. In addition Ms. Moore presents school-wide assemblies to our students.
THES staff meetings include regular Green School updates and sharing of environmental lessons with 66 teachers. Successful projects are celebrated in our "Thunder Thoughts" electronic newsletters as well as our PTA electronic newsletters. Pictures of Green School projects are projected on a digital screen in the front lobby for all staff members and visitors to enjoy. The Green School Committee presents to the staff at the beginning of each year to get everyone "Goin' Green".
All 66 staff members were given the opportunity to visit the Howard County Recycling Center free of charge as part of our annual school Wellness Day. (January, 2014).
Sue McAleer and Alison Gatwood spent 8 hours at the Robinson Nature Center for Project Wild training (February, 2014).