On October 17th, the PAISBOA Sustainability Group gathered at Norwood-Fontbonne Academy (NFA) for a meeting focused on integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into school curricula. Hosted by NFA's Media Science Teacher Megan Stotz, the session titled “Using United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Your Curriculum” attracted representatives from eight PAISBOA member schools.
PAISBOA Sustainability Group met at Norwood-Fontbonne Academy for the Fall meeting.
A Tour of NFA's Campus and Gardens
NFA President Dr. Ryan Killeen and Principal Kathryn Henry kicked off the afternoon by welcoming guests to NFA’s campus. Set on a lush 14-acre property, NFA provides an inspiring environment for outdoor learning. Thanks to a recent grant, the school created a Nature Trail, designed to enhance outdoor education and help students connect with sustainability. Stotz shared how grant funds have supported activities aligned with this goal.
Guided by Sister Marjorie Lawless, a former NFA Montessori teacher, the group visited the Children’s Garden, which includes Nello’s Garden—created in memory of a third-grade student who passed away in 1990. NFA families care for the vegetable garden over the summer, sharing produce with the local community. The garden also features a "teepee" structure for growing beans, though the plants have faced challenges from local deer!
Students Showcase Sustainability Projects
In an engaging presentation, four middle school students shared projects from Megan Stotz’s media science class, where they tackled two of the UN SDGs: ending world hunger and ensuring access to clean water. Stotz’s curriculum leverages Stanford’s “Design Thinking” to help students collaborate creatively on global challenges. This multidisciplinary approach included literary research, podcast creation, and public speaking—all aimed at building student-led solutions to these pressing issues.
Norwood-Fontbonne students share their solutions to a UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The school also participated in the NexTrex Challenge`, where students collected and recycled 1,000 pounds of soft plastic packaging. Their reward? A Trex furniture bench, now a feature on the school’s playground and a proud reminder of their sustainability efforts.
Dinner and Discussion on Sustainability Challenges
Following the tour, NFA hosted a low-waste, plant-based dinner provided by Karla’s Kitchen. Over dinner, attendees exchanged ideas and discussed both achievements and challenges in their sustainability journeys. Topics ranged from school garden beds, waste reduction, and composting to managing single-use plastic, maintaining an on-campus apiary, and tackling recycling bin contamination.
Thank you, NFA, for hosting this informative and inspiring event. PAISBOA is now seeking schools to host winter and spring meetings for the Sustainability Group. Interested in participating? Please contact Ron Hill or Mary Ann Boyer for more information.
Article by Mary Ann Boyer and published in PAISBOA’s Friday Flyer Vol. XIV No. 15. Oct. 31, 2024.
