Hampton Bays Middle Gets Federal Award

On Monday, The Hampton Bays School district's middle was named as a first-ever United States Department of Education Green Ribbon School.

One of 350 schools to apply for the award, Hampton Bays Middle School, said Lars Clemensen, superintendent of Hampton Bays Schools, shares the award with 78 other schools, which were also named.

In March, Hampton Bays was nominated for the award that "comprehensively approach creating “green” environments through reducing environmental impact, promoting health, and ensuring a high-quality environmental and outdoor education that prepares students with necessary 21st century skills."

Clemensen said the news is "the result of a hard working team of faculty and leadership that submitted the application to be considered as a green ribbon representative from New York."

Located at 70 Ponquogue Avenue, the Hampton Bays Middle School, which was designed by Patchogue Architect Roger Smith of BBS Architects and Engineers, first opened it's doors in on Feb. 25, 2008 and since has received numerous green awards. It is a Green Project of Distinction winner in the Green Education Showcase and obtained the coveted silver recognition certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design system.  In 2009, the Long Island Power Authority also recognized the middle school for the latter achievement with a rebate of $300,000 for efficiency measures.

The 146,400-square-foot school, houses 800 students, grades five through eight in 30 classrooms. It was constructed under a $42 million bond that was approved by voters in March 2004.

On the 'green' side, the majority of materials used in the middle school's construction are made from recyclable and easily renewable materials: mold growth preventative materials, synthetic floors, and mold-resistant gypsum wall board were all utilized.  

The lighting system for the school consists of hi-lumen low power lamps, reducing the lighting power density and cost of electricity and the classrooms are equipped with motion sensors to turn lights on and off to also conserve energy.  These measures cut energy costs by an estimated 30 percent compared to the minimum New York State Energy Code requirements.

The building's design itself is equipped "state-of-the-art technology infrastructure" that includes Smart Boards in every classroom, wireless Internet services and sensor locks for security.

Program and curriculum offerings of the Hampton Bays Middle School also reflect the core mission of being environmental conscious.