Final

Elgin Math & Science Academy

Enviro Group Meeting

Date and Time

Friday March 4, 2022 at 9:00 AM CST

Location

Dining Hall

EMSA Campus

1600 Dundee Ave

Elgin

Agenda

     
I. Opening Items
  A. Record Attendance
  B. Call the Meeting to Order
  C. Approve February Meeting Minutes
   
II. Campus Hike to Review Areas of Use
  A. Proposed Campus Map
  B. Visit Areas of Current and Proposed Student Use
III. Environmental Work Group--Subcommittee to Master Plan and Facilities
  A. EMSA Mission-Vision-Goal Setting Enviro Recommendations
   

Draft Mission: The Elgin Math and Science Academy cultivates the whole child through EL Education and social responsibility to develop leaders who solve real world problems. 

 

Draft Vision:  EMSA will be a sought after educational institution that prepares and motivates each student for a rapidly changing world by instilling critical thinking skills, a global perspective, and the importance of our Habits of Scholarship: respect, responsibility, courage and creativity.


What are some objectives and goals that the Enviro Committee would like to suggest?
 
  B. Goal setting/vision of work group
  C. Ecosystem Education--Quick update or check in at next meeting
   
  1. Campus map.   
  2. Teacher support on ecosystems, it was discussed to start with staff meetings and plan environmental components based upon staff interests. 
  3. Partnership with Friends of the Fox--How do we deliver hands-on, local nature-based science NEXT STEPS: 
  4. Friday Field Studies. Agreed to look into the possibilities. 
  5. Partnership with Forest Preserve of Kane County. 
  6. Enviro Club: 
  7. EMSA Passion Projects 
  D. Trails and Walkways
  E. Native Plantings Updates - Grants Available
   
  • National Enviro Ed 
  • IDNR - Update "School Yard Habitat Action Grant" due 11/30/22, approval in February 2023; $1,000 (K. Kelly)
  F. Water Runoff--Updates
   
  • New Area by Gym 
  • Teacher / Student interest in participating and/or learning from water programs 
  G. Playgrounds & Natural Play Areas Update
   
  • Removal of the bouncy feature at the abandoned playground 
  • Passion Project: Focus on creating more space while respecting nature is one area 

 
  H. Chimney Swifts and Other Bird Protections Updates
   
  • Seeking funding to add bird strike prevention per the existing bid 
  • Window paintings on the dining hall and dorm served the purpose of eliminating bird strikes. Publish this success story with pictures

 
  I. Ongoing Tree Care & Planned Landscaping
IV. Other Business
  A. What else do we need to be thinking about?
   
  • HWY 25 Entry Signs - Update
  • Land Acknowledgements - Update
V. Closing Items
  A. Adjourn Meeting