Saint Agnes Green Apple Day of Service

October 28, 2019

Saint Agnes School, recipient of the 2019 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School Award, will host a Green Apple Day of Service for students and faculty, October 28, 2019, 8:30-10:45 a.m. on the school campus at 1920 Newburg Road. The school seeks to 1) further green awareness and education, 2) reduce our carbon footprint for the day, and 3) perform service projects related to green initiatives.

The entire student body will rotate among eight stations in multi-age “families” made up of children in grades K-8. Students will learn the impact of environmentalism, sustainability, and health and wellness in the community, all common areas of focus among Saint Agnes teachers and students. Stations include:
● Health and Wellness - students will participate in mindfulness exercises
● Energy Carnival - environmental education games hosted by the school’s Energy Club
● Container Labeling - art teacher will guide students in labeling recycling containers
● Recycle/Compost - Master Gardeners will educate students on composting
● Wetlands - students will tend to garden and wetlands at adjacent Earth & Spirit Center
● Service - students will pot plants and deliver to residents of nearby Nazareth Home
● Safety - students will engage with community helpers (fire, EMS, police)
● Fitness - professionals will teach the importance of stretching before athletic activity

The day will begin with a prayer and dedication of new trees and shrubbery along Newburg Road, recently planted by 8th graders. Students will rotate through stations led by faculty and parent volunteers and will be encouraged to ride the bus, walk, ride a bike or carpool to and from school to limit carbon usage. Students will enjoy a cold lunch and a healthy green apple snack, and during the remainder of the day, teachers will emphasize energy savings by having class outdoors, refraining from using classroom lights, limiting technology usage, etc.

452

Students attended

65

Staff attended

30

Additional Volunteers attended

452

Students will be impacted this year

Intended impact of project

Reduced environmental impact
Improved occupant health & performance
Increased environmental & sustainability literacy
Reduce landfill waste

Impact of project

Environmental and habitat restoration
Energy and/or water conservation
Waste reduction
Improved school nutrition
Increased physical activity
Educated on sustainable skills and practices
Educated on sustainability knowledge