Virginia schools recognized for environmental literacy in the classroom

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is recognizing schools throughout the state that include environmental literacy in the classroom.

The Virginia Naturally school recognition program honors exemplary efforts undertaken to increase environmental awareness and stewardship among K-12 students.

Schools were evaluated based on two criteria:

• Authentic, hands-on, real-world learning that takes place in the classroom, emphasizes environmental/sustainable education, and includes civic engagement and/or STEM connections.
• Learning that expands beyond the classroom setting (often referred to as meaningful field experiences) to connect back to what students are learning in the classroom.

This year, 58 schools were recognized for their efforts during the 2023-24 school year. Of the 58 schools, 16 were recognized for the first time since the program’s inception in 2000.

Schools included Bessie Weller Elementary School in Staunton and Linville-Edom and John Wayland elementary schools in Rockingham County.

The Virginia Naturally schools had close to 39,000 students participate during the last school year which will increase environmental awareness and stewardship in Virginia.

2023-24 schools

Environmental education efforts support the Virginia Department of Education’s Profile of a Virginia Graduate by developing students’ communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creative thinking and civic responsibility.

For more information please visit: https://dwr.virginia.gov/education/school-recognition/