Join the Get2Green Level 1 Academy Course
This Level 1 Course is designed to cultivate curiosity in all content areas by incorporating nature across the curriculum, particularly for teachers who want to begin or further their school’s progress toward engaging students in environmental stewardship. Major topics include benefits of outdoor education, integration of environmental stewardship in the strategic plan and learning model, and successful strategies for working with student action teams. Participants will use resources provided by Get2Green and National Wildlife Federation Eco-Schools USA program to understand how to engage students in meaningful learning experiences and foster Portrait of a Graduate skills and attributes.
This course is worth one continuing education credit good towards the +30 salary scale increase. The course will take place at Poe Middle School on Sept. 23 and 30 and Oct. 7, 14, and 21 from 4:45-7:45pm. Register for Incorporating Nature Across the Curriculum in MyPDE.
September After School Special: Moving Closer to Zero Waste
On Wednesday, September 9 from 5-7pm, learn more about the latest zero waste updates in FCPS in our first after-school special of the year. Join representatives from Get2Green, Facilities, and Food and Nutrition Services to learn all about the latest in recycling, organics collection, food sharing, custodial support, and more! This session will be held virtually and covers the same material as the session offered on July 21. Register for the September Moving Closer to Zero Waste After-School Special in MyPDE.
October After School Special: Raise, Release, Restore
Want to turn your classroom into an ecosystem? This session is dedicated to two engaging stewardship programs:
- Grasses for the Masses–grow native underwater grasses in the classroom to be transplanted directly into a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay.
- Trout in the Classroom–raise Brook Trout from eggs to fingerlings to be released in the spring.
We’ll wrap up by exploring Eco-Action Cards focused on Waterway Clean-ups, Fish Stewards, and Water Quality Testing. Come learn how to manage these “living labs,” troubleshoot your tanks, and inspire the next generation of Chesapeake Bay Watershed warriors.
Location: Providence Elementary STEAM Room
Date: Thursday, October 8 from 5-7pm
Register for the October Raise, Release, Restore After-School Special in MyPDE.
Congratulations to our Virginia Naturally Schools!
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) honors schools that are working to include environmental literacy in their curricula through the Virginia Naturally School Recognition Program. Congratulations to the nine FCPS schools who earned the Virginia Naturally Award for the 2025-26 school year:
- Belvedere ES
- Clearview ES
- Haycock ES
- Katherine Johnson MS
- Providence ES
- Terra Centre ES
- Terraset ES
- Westfield HS
- Westlawn ES
If your school has been working to include education about the environment in the curricula, DWR encourages applying for the Virginia Naturally School Recognition Program next spring. This is not a one-time award, but one upon which you may build and achieve additional recognitions each year you participate. Visit the Virginia Naturally website to learn more.
In Case You Missed It: New Updates in Zero Waste This Year!
 As we start a new school year, we are excited to share new updates for zero waste:
- Earlier this year, FCPS signed a new waste hauling contract that brings some big changes (outlined below). Regulation 8541 Recycling Requirements for all Fairfax County Public Schools Facilities was also updated to reflect these changes.
- Starting this year, glossy paper and empty non-coated (not shiny) beverage cups can now go in the recycling. Please note accepted items may differ between school and home.
- Phase 1 of a multi-year organics collection rollout is starting at 51 schools this school year. Schools in Phase 1 received bins before school started along with additional information about the rollout. All food scraps and organic materials collected will go to an industrial composting facility. This is a huge step in our efforts to reduce the amount of waste going into the trash!
- New trash and recycling posters were delivered to all schools before school started along with new compost posters for the Phase 1 schools. The posters will be available on the new Get2Green website soon.
- Use the Moving Toward Zero Waste video to educate your school about food sharing and organics collection. Not doing organics collection at your school yet? You can stop the video after the food sharing part.
Have questions about these changes? Contact recycling@fcps.edu.
Check out our New Website!
Our new Get2Green website launched in August! The new site is embedded within the main FCPS website and meets web accessibility requirements that our old website did not. The original website remains online while the redirect links to the new site are established. We hope you enjoy exploring the new site. Please contact get2green@fcps.edu with any questions, comments, or suggestions.
For HS Students: Keep Virginia Beautiful Student Ambassadors for Virginia’s Environment
Keep Virginia Beautiful is accepting applications from high school juniors and seniors to serve as Student Ambassadors for Virginia’s Environment. Student Ambassadors are expected to organize and implement two litter cleanups and host a school-wide or community educational project or event. Ambassadors educate others on the importance of litter prevention and environmental stewardship. Applications are due Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Learn more about the Students Ambassadors for Virginia’s Environment program and apply.
Also for HS Students: Youth Conservation Leadership Institute
The Youth Conservation Leadership Institute (YCLI) is a recognition program for 9th-12th grade students offered by Virginia’s Soil & Water Conservation Districts. YCLI focuses on volunteer service and environmental stewardship and offers students an opportunity to build leadership skills and connect with local mentors involved with environmental issues. Program participants are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of community service with a conservation focus as well as participate in a book discussion and submit required progress reports throughout the year. Learn more about YCLI and apply by Thursday, October 8, 2026.
Educate Fairfax Grants
FCPS Educators: Have an idea that could spark curiosity, build confidence, or create a new opportunity for your students? Keep an eye out! Educator Innovation Grant applications open on September 3, 2026.
Formerly known as Educate Fairfax Grants, Educator Innovation Grants provide FCPS educators with funding to transform creative ideas into meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
Stay tuned to Educate Fairfax to learn more and apply for an Educator Innovation Grant.
Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom Grant
The Agriculture in the Classroom Grant Program provides educators an opportunity to receive funding for a variety of creative projects that increase student understanding of the source of their food and fiber. Educators with an innovative idea to connect their students to agriculture using school gardens, STEM concepts, and/or unique agricultural experiences are encouraged to apply. Grants may be requested for up to $500. Applications are due Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Learn more and apply for a Virginia Ag in the Classroom grant.
Wild Ones Seeds for Education Grant
The Wild Ones Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant Program provides up to $500 in funding for native gardens and habitats tied to hands-on learning. These funds are designated for native plants and seeds for outdoor learning areas that directly engage students PreK-12 in planning, planting, and caring for native gardens. Learn more and apply for the Seeds for Education Grant by Wednesday, November 18, 2026.
NOVA Parks Outdoor Kids Grant
NOVA Parks is pleased to offer grants to Northern Virginia schools designated as Title-I to facilitate field trips for students, increasing access to parklands. The NOVA Parks Outdoors Kids Grants will provide funding to eligible Title-I schools to cover the cost of transportation or other expenses which may present a barrier for students to access NOVA Parks. Accepted grantees will be able to select from a list of NOVA Parks, and students will experience the NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist Program. Applications opened August 31 and awards will be accepted and announced on a rolling basis. Learn more about the NOVA Parks Outdoors Kids Grant and apply here.
Coast of Maine Growing Good Program
Coast of Maine donates some of its garden products to schools each year through their Growing Good Program. Schools can learn more and request a donation through the Growing Good Program. Upon approval, Coast of Maine will collaborate with a local Coast of Maine retailer to set aside up to 10 cubic feet of soil for your garden. Find the retailer closest to you on Coast of Maine’s map. Requests are accepted on a rolling basis.
 Left: Several school-based Get2Green Leaders spent their summer taking learning outdoors and getting hands-on with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation! From exploring local waterways to diving into conservation strategies, we’re bringing fresh inspiration and real-world environmental action back to our schools this year.
Right: Learning outside the classroom! Secondary science educators joined Get2Green to explore their campus climate data during the recent in-service day. Our teachers are amazing!
Find fun and exciting Get2Green updates all month by following @fcpsGet2Green on Instagram, Threads, and X.
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