Elgin Math & Science Academy
Enviro Group December Meeting
Date and Time
Friday December 3, 2021 at 8:30 AM CST
Location
Meet at the Dining Hall
EMSA Campus
1600 Dundee Ave
Elgin
Agenda
I. | Opening Items | |
A. | Record Attendance | |
B. | Call the Meeting to Order | |
C. | Approve Minutes | |
Approve minutes for In-person Enviro Work Group on September 3, 2021 | ||
D. | Enviro Work Group Items | |
1. Including EMSA staff & parents 2. Meeting schedule: First Fridays at 8:30, how does this work for the group? How can teachers participate then?
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II. | Environmental Work Group--Subcommittee to Master Plan and Facilities | |
A. | Water Runoff--Updates | |
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B. | Native Plantings--Grant Available, anyone interested? | |
Oak understory--name tree/classroom? new K new tree?
Pollinator Garden--possible location at area along sidewalk between Gym & Admin Entry Gardens Rain Garden at Primary School Future Gardens |
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C. | Swing set update | |
Swingset installed and in use!
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D. | Playgrounds & Natural Play Areas | |
Can we find more play and contemplative space on the property? Kinder play area near gym is underutilized, e.g. We have challenged grades 5 & 6 to consider solutions as a part of Passion Projects.
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E. | Chimney Swifts and Other Bird Protections | |
Update on improvements: chimneys will get special removable caps that allow swifts access during their time here. Windows at Dining Hall and Dorm painted by families to prevent strikes. Next steps for gym windows? Other concerns?
https://abcbirds.org/glass-collisions/stop-birds-hitting-windows/ |
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F. | Ongoing Tree Care & Planned Landscaping | |
Update Can we send some of the oaks cut this summer to the kiln/drying/seasoning place?
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G. | Trails and walkways | |
Teachers have expressed concern with the loose rocks that make up one part of the walk way. How do we want to address this? Now is the time to start mapping and cutting invasives to create a trail in the ravine. Anyone interested? We have challenged 5 & 6th grade students to create a school wide trail as a part of their Passion Projects.
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H. | Ecosystem Education | |
We've had lots of opportunities to share EMSA's nature with students:
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III. | Other Business | |
A. | What else do we need to be thinking about? | |
Partnership with the Forest Preserve
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B. | Goal setting/vision of work group | |
What do you think would be some goals for the committee? What would our vision/purpose statement look like?
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IV. | Closing Items | |
A. | Adjourn Meeting |