Several Birmingham Public, Private Schools Earn Green School Status

Eleven schools in the Birmingham School District were among 173 across Oakland County recognized for a strong commitment to environmental education this week.

Derby Middle School was among the top-three rated schools in the county to earn the Michigan Green School designation.

Representatives from the schools gathered Wednesday morning at Oakland Schools in Waterford to receive an official Michigan Green School flag and a certificate signed by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and Oakland Schools Superintendent Vickie L. Markavitch.

Students from each school must complete at least 10 of 20 "green" activities Activities ranging from paper recycling and garden projects, to the use of renewable energy to earn the designation. Schools that complete more than 10 activities may be eligible for "Emerald" or "Evergreen" status.

Joining Derby as the top Michigan Green Schools in Oakland County this year were John F. Kennedy School in Ferndale and University Hills Elementary School in Rochester.

Here are other Birmingham public schools on the list:

• Berkshire Middle School
• Beverly Elementary
• Greenfield Elementary
• Harlan Elementary
• Lincoln St. Alternative High School
• Pembroke Elementary
• Pierce Elementary
• Seaholm High School
• West Maple Elementary
• Wylie E. Groves High School

Birmingham area private schools on the list:

• Academy of the Sacred Heart
• Cranbrook (Brookside and Kingswood)
• Detroit Country Day
• Marian High School
• The Roeper School (Upper and Lower)