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Montessori Middle School has been named a Tennessee Pollution Prevention Partnership (TP3) "Pledge School" by the state Department of Environment and Conservation.

The TP3 program aims to reduce pollutants in air, water and land throughout Tennessee. The state conducts educational workshops and conferences, publishes informational books and brochures, and honors households and organizations that pledge to reduce pollution. MMS joins other TP3 Pledge Schools in Blount County, including Alcoa Elementary School and Carpenters Middle School.

Among the pollution prevention efforts at Montessori Middle are composting food and yard/garden waste and recycling nearly all types of household and office waste, including junk mail and food packaging. MMS also participates in the Think Recycle program, collecting old cell phones and used cartridges for printer ink and laser printer toner; Greentec corporation diverts these materials from landfills and further aids in pollution prevention by donating money for tree planting in exchange for recycled items.

MMS also incorporates waste reduction in its school policies, for example, by using reusable glass dishes and metal flatware for snacks and meals. Students take turns washing the dishes, rather than just throwing away convenient but non-biodegradable paper or styrofoam plates, cups and utensils. Students also participate in organic gardening, planning crops that will be sold at the Maryville Farmer's Market.

The next phase in the TP3 honor program is Partner; Partner organizations have submitted a five-part pollution-reduction plan and have completed at least one of the parts. A TP3 "Success Story" must be submitted to the state chronicling the results of this project. Montessori Middle School is currently working on this submission.

Montessori Middle School is an innovative land-based educational program in which adolescents can excel academically, engage in meaningful work, acquire leadership skills, and learn to care for themselves, their peers, the environment, and their community.