Hidden Oaks Middle School Reef Ball Project Wins "Green" School Award

Hidden Oaks Middle School students made artificial reef balls to increase the oyster habitat in the Indian River Lagoon. The projects — organized on a volunteer basis by classroom teachers at nearly every school in Martin County — are creative methods of teaching environmental science in a hands-on way. "It's those kind of things that help the community and the world, truthfully," said Sandy Pisano, a fifth-grade teacher at Indiantown Middle School and a coordinator of the Green School awards program. "We've probably accomplished close to 1,000 projects." For nine years, the Green School awards have motivated students and teachers to integrate environmental education into the classroom and community service projects. On May 12, the schools that have met the criteria of the program will be recognized for their dedication to the environment.