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Arlington, VA, October 12, 2000 - Nine teachers were awarded the first annual "Using the Schoolyard" award at a resource fair organized by Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE). These awards recognize outstanding efforts of teaching in the schoolyard for lessons ranging from estimating in math to haikus in English. Award recipients have each demonstrated a lesson that uses the schoolyard as a context for bringing the curriculum alive at the elementary, middle, or high school level.

"The schoolyard is a wonderful extension of the classroom," describes Martin Ogle, Chairman of ACE. "These award winners have shown how to engage students in creative ways using the natural outdoor environment while also meeting curriculum requirements."

Award winners include Jim Egenrieder, Arlington Career Center; Sue Haught, Oakridge Elementary; Natalie Martin, Arlington Science Focus; Jeanne Michael-Burns, Jefferson Middle School; Kathy Payne, Tuckahoe Elementary; Mary Ann Penning, Randolph Elementary; Mary Rita Prah, Oakridge Elementary; Chris Rodger, Washington-Lee High School; and Caryl Williams, Tuckahoe Elementary.

All recipients were recognized with a certificate at a ceremony during the resource fair at Washington-Lee High School. The lessons they created were compiled and distributed to attendees at the resource fair.