Country School Completes Student-Initiated Solar Panel Project

Long before solar panels were installed on The Country School’s buildings, Head of School John Fixx and Middle School Math Teacher Louise Jackson had plans for the campus to go green. When Fixx served as Headmaster of Chase Collegiate School in Waterbury, he was instrumental in their solar project. Jackson, meanwhile, has been working with her classes since 2014 on environmental STEAM projects.

“I love teaching my students the relevance of learning mathematics and instilling in them a purpose and passion for the subject area,” said Jackson. “My goal is to promote environmental awareness and stewardship and to provide my students with skills to take responsible actions to protect the environment.” Over the years Jackson has charged her students with creating a “Zero” Classroom of Sustainability, encouraging them to think as environmentalists as they design a zero-carbon footprint model that incorporates waste reduction, reusing, recycling, upcycling, and composting. Considerations have included solar panels, a greenhouse, and a rainwater tank.

With student research and enthusiasm supporting the Administration’s and Board’s solar proposal, the project was a go. “The Country School’s solar project has had a catalytic affect. Not only have our students, as future leaders, seen the benefits of renewable energy but so to have their families, as they install solar at their homes and businesses, recognizing the short-term and long-term benefits for the country and the world. While our utility costs have already decreased, the greatest benefit is how excited our students have been, knowing that they have had a hand in this project. Connecticut Green Bank has been a great partner throughout the experience. We only wish we had more roofs for them,” said Fixx.

Founded in 1955, The Country School serves students in PreSchool-Grade 8 on its 23-acre campus in Madison. The Country School honors students’ creativity, sense of wonder, and intellectual curiosity. The school’s integrated curriculum aligns rigorous academics with a commitment to character and leadership development. Learn more and register for one of our Virtual Tours at www.thecountryschool.org.