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Lessons in Green
THE ETHEL WALKER SCHOOL TEACHES STUDENTS THE IMPORTANCE
OF SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH HANDS-ON LEARNING.
By Tara M. Cantore
Since the early 1990s, the Ethel Walker School in
Simsbury has blazed the trail toward sustainability and
fostered a sense of environmental stewardship. The
all-girl school’s implementation of clean energy technology,
cutting-edge LEED-certified building techniques and progressive
environmental curriculum are only a few examples that
have garnered national media attention, and the unwavering
support of students, faculty and the local community.
Talking the Talk
Unlike many organizations that establish
policy to inf luence collective action
toward a common goal, Ethel Walker’s
environmental policy, developed by its
board of trustees, is reflective of its
longstanding commitment to the environment.
Progressive and holistic, the
campus-wide policy seeks to “protect and
enhance the environment through education,
research, community service and
responsible administration. [The school]
seeks to foster a community that teaches
environmental awareness, local action,
global responsibility, and the necessity
of sustaining ecological systems.
Environmentally sound practices are a
core value of the school, and we endorse
principles which will enhance health,
comfort and productivity, while enhancing
the Earth for future generations.”
That’s no small feat.
Walking the Walk
Adhering to the principles of smart
growth—such as holistic and efficient planning
for new construction and development
that carefully considers the short- and longterm
impact on the environment—takes
forethought and careful planning. So far,
the school has been careful to avoid vulnerable
wetlands and protect native wildlife
habitats, and has worked hard to secure
the permanent conservation of 300 acres
that surround the school. Those efforts
were met with resounding support from
the Town of Simsbury and The Trust for
Public Land, as well as students, family,
faculty and alumnae.
What makes Ethel Walker truly innovative
is its commitment to teaching students
about environmental stewardship
through interactive activities.
In 1992, physics students built a solar
car and participated in the Tour de Sol,
a race for alternative fuel vehicles. In
1996, the students helped design a photovoltaic
installation to power a dorm
room. During the 2003-2004 school year,
science teacher Lee Zalinger challenged
members of his ninth grade honors
Conceptual Physics class to create solar
powered projects for Flamig Farm, a
local eco-tourism farm. Today, the landmark
farm and community education
center in West Simsbury uses large-scale
solar power.
Last year in the classroom, middle
school students cultivated an organic
garden with the help of art teacher Grace
Epstein. The students enjoyed the fruits
of their labor—which included a wide
assortment of vegetables and herbs
that were used in the school kitchen.
Other eco-conscious projects integrating
student involvement run the gamut, and head of school Bessie Speers says,
“integrating environmental stewardship
into our curriculum is a primary goal for
the school.”
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The latest green buzz circulating
around campus surrounds the
Leadership in Energy Efficient Design
(LEED) certified, modular residence for
Speers as head of school. While the home
will be occupied by Speers, it will also
have a large community living area to be
enjoyed by students and faculty.
Once again, Ethel Walker is ahead
of the curve with its choice to build a
modular home. Modular homes consist
of units that are manufactured in-house
and shipped to the building site in enormous
boxes, where they are assembled.
LEED certified modular homes (also
called pre-fabricated homes), are produced
using eco-friendly building materials,
are extremely energy efficient, and
produce a fraction of the construction
waste that is typically generated by
traditional building.
The Ethel Walker green home project
team is made of locally based businesses
and includes Steven Winter and
Associates, based in Norwalk, Segalla’s
Turnkey Housing in Canaan and
Westchester Modular Homes in Wingdale, N.Y. The construction of the new home is
projected to take only a few days.
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Leading by Example
In 2008, students will participate in
the Green Cup Challenge, a nationwide
energy conservat ion competit ion
for schools hosted by Phillips Exeter
Academy in Exeter, N.H. The dual mission
of the challenge is to help schools
reduce their carbon emissions, while
educating students and faculty about
how their individual actions contribute
to positive change.
That positive change is likely to spread
from teacher to student to parent to the
local community—and well beyond.
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