EDUCATION AND ACTIVISM AT THE UPPER SCHOOL

Julia Narucki ’23 and Ellis Fertig ’24

The Environmental Action Club (EnAct) is dedicated to a number of goals that include raising awareness among and educating MKA students about environmental issues as well as instilling a sense of responsibility to serve the environment and make the school more sustainable.

One of the ways we have been working toward these goals recently was a service trip to clean up invasive species in a nearby area, which both got students involved in nature outside of school and provided an opportunity for them to learn about invasive species and ecological concerns in our local community. We plan to return in the spring and do regular service trips. In addition to work outside of our community, we focus on working with the MKA student body to act more sustainably by following EcoSchools USA Pathways, which are environmental foci for improving school sustainability. Last year we tackled consumption and waste by improving school recycling habits and reducing usage of single-use plastics. This year, we will focus on sustainable eating on campus. One way students will be involved is through planting vegetables on the Green Roof that can be used in our salads at lunch.

To encourage students to continue to interact with current environmental issues, we have held weekly discussions where students gather to learn about and discuss current events involving climate change and the environment. Topics have ranged from the authenticity of COP27 to climate activists throwing food at artwork, and the discussions often result in a lively debate.

During Earth Week last year, EnAct held a viewing of The Sacrifice Zone, a documentary highlighting the Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC)’s fight to end environmental injustice and environmental racism in the nearby Ironbound area of Newark. We then hosted smaller community discussions along with the Student Diversity Leadership Committee to get students thinking about individual, community, and global responsibilities with regard to addressing environmental justice issues. Moving forward, EnAct hopes to form a relationship with the ICC, starting with taking students on an environmental justice tour of the Ironbound.

In addition to the EnAct, some Upper School students, mostly former and current AP Environmental Science students, are involved in the Carbon Neutral Commitment Committee (CNCC). Last year, the CNCC worked on petitions, presentations, and educating students and the MKA community toward the goal of becoming carbon neutral by a certain date. This year, the CNCC will continue educating students about the meaning of carbon neutrality and how we can get there.

Facility improvements reflect the school’s ingenuity and commitment to sustainability. As electric vehicles became more widely used by the MKA community, the school installed EV charging stations at all 3 campuses.

Embedding Sustainability In The Daily Routine Of Primary School Students

Erica DeTrolio , Kindergarten Teacher and Primary School Sustainability Coordinator

At the Primary School, sustainable practices are embedded in the student’s day-to-day activities. Practicing sustainability in the classroom raises awareness, increases children’s interest in the environment, and teaches them about our interconnected world. Examples of teachable moments include, using recyclable materials whenever possible, using both sides of the paper, encouraging children to turn the water off as they wash their hands, or simply and consistently throwing paper in the big blue recycling bin.

Both Pre-K and Kindergarten follow the Reggio Emilia approach to learning, which has deep roots in nature. In the Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms, we are always looking for ways to learn from nature and foster a love of the outdoors. By using recyclables and loose parts in art projects and for other academic lessons, students are taught that beauty can be found anywhere and that we rely on a healthy planet.

All grade level teachers model, mentor, share, and interpret their positive connections with nature. The teachers illustrate the importance of being resourceful instead of being wasteful. When children see that their teachers are excited about something, they too, become excited and want to learn more. In their social studies unit, Second Grade teaches about the concept of “want versus need.” Third Grade goes on a trip to the High Line each year, and the children discuss the importance of repurposing something old into something new.

In addition to practicing sustainability in the classroom, students at the Primary School benefit from extra-curricular activities and facility spaces that encourage greater understanding of and care for the environment.

How We Do It Outdoor Classroom

The outdoor classroom serves as a great way for the children to become more connected to nature. It helps to increase empathy for nature, which is the first step toward environmental awareness. Not only do the children explore this area, but teachers often will go outside when the weather is nice to conduct morning meetings or to read a book.

Thanksgiving Service Learning

Each year around Thanksgiving, the Primary School works on a service learning project. Over the last two years, we combined service learning with sustainability. Children collected old towels, blankets, water bottles, and socks. They then created dog and cat toys as well as care packages for shelter animals that were delivered to the Montclair Animal Shelter (pictured above).

Earth Day

Each year on and around Earth Day, the school celebrates the Earth in different ways but primarily emphasizes the importance and benefits of just being outside. Over the course of the week, there were many activities celebrating nature and the Earth: Pre-K did a nature scavenger hunt, Kindergarten planted a flower on school grounds, First Grade planted wildflower seeds, Second Grade completed a tree sketch, and Third Grade wrote positive messages about nature in chalk in front of the school

Crayon Recycling Program

Last year the Primary School collected and sorted over 40 pounds of crayons and sent them back to the National Crayon Recycling Program for a new life. We were proud of saving crayons from a life in a landfill.

Caps Program

The Primary School collected and sorted over 200 lbs of bottle caps, saving them from a life in a landfill. These caps will either be sent to the company and made into a bench for the school, or they will be sent to a recycling program where they will be made into something new.

Primary School students using the Outdoor classroom. At MKA we value outdoor recreation in our student’s learning. All of the plants outside of the PS are all native to their habitat.