Happy Earth Day!

I am struck with such a sense of appreciation for the Saints community and how we are working to reduce our carbon footprint. Our lower school chapel service inspired us all to make small changes to our daily lives to help the environment. Two fourth grade students made just such a change by creating a new morning commute plan to bike to school. I also read a blog entry written by a current 8th grader who was inspired by our Saints For Sustainability conference. It is being featured on the National Association of Independent Schools website. I am proud to be a Saint! 

This week at St. Stephen's & St. Agnes we have three events that will help reduce our carbon emissions.

Yesterday was "Green Your Commute Day". Carpooling, walking, or riding a bike made a difference. 

For three weeks SSSAS will compete against other schools to conserve our energy. Last I checked our schools have saved 64,138 kilowatts. 

Finally, in an effort to reduce the amount of waste leaving our three campuses - our Association of Parent and Teachers is hosting an Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday. 

We have reduced our carbon emissions by 29% since 2006. Leading our path is our Director of Environmental Stewardship, Brian Kane. Mr. Kane believes, "through knowledge, action, and compassion, we are working to make sustainable choices and empower our students to foster change for a more sustainable Earth." Click here to learn more about our daily Sustainability efforts. 

As you transition to your new school community I hope you and your child will embrace the many sustainable activities coming your way!


Originally from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, where she attended an independent school from preK-12th grade, Katherine Carbo earned a bachelor’s degree in business and a law degree before returning right back to the independent school world. With experience at four different schools from coast to coast, she writes insights and observations from the front line of independent school admissions.  Mrs. Carbo is the Director of Lower School Admission at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Virginia.  She may be reached at kcarbo@sssas.org.