Stouffville District Secondary School

In June 2006 Stouffville District Secondary School (SDSS) began the journey to reinvent itself through the Lighthouse School Project. This school is located at the rural/urban fringe with significant environmental pressures created by urban sprawl. The transformation taking place at SDSS uses sustainability as an integrating context for teaching, learning, decision-making, civic engagement, community partnerships and operational practices, to foster the creation of responsible citizenship. This mulit-year project is a partnership between Learning for a Sustainable Future and York Region District School Board and supports the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.

Sustainability Initiatives at SDSS:

Operations

• Vermicomposting of lunch and snack waste
• Fair trade coffee sold in the cafeteria
• Biodegradable plates and cups supplied by the cafeteria
• Reduction of paper use through electronic submission of assignments and re-use of single-sided paper
• Pursuit of EcoSchools certification

School Culture

• Inaugural Sustainability Achievement Award at awards ceremony
• Sustainability project launched by LEAD program students
• Creation of quilted banner displaying students’ answers to the question “Why bother?” to respect all people, animals and plants, near and far, now and in the future
• Presentations by students at EcoLeague forums on sustainability at SDSS
• Cultural diversity appreciation programs
• School blog to facilitate communication and connect with community

Curriculum

• Resources for Rethinking database training for teachers
• Sustainability units integrated into diverse subject areas, including:
  • Science: Life-cycle analysis of electronic products
  • Geography: Independent study unit focused on taking action
  • Hospitality: School Bistro focus on “slow food” movement, waste reduction through reusable containers for take-home meals, and healthier vegetarian options
  • Civics: Active citizenship

Physical Surroundings

• Electricity reduction campaign using the newly installed energy monitor
• Outdoor classroom plans
• Design for inspiring and peaceful seating area for main hallway drafted by University of Toronto engineering students with input from SDSS students