Environmental Priorities of the New School Administration

Yichen Liu ’28

Katy Su ’28

This school year, Loomis welcomed a new head of school. Mrs. Soja, previously the head of school of the Indian Mountain School, is dedicated to changing Loomis for the better, undoubtedly including new environmental priorities. Thus, the question arises: what are the new administration’s plans for the environmental future of our school, and what direction will they take with sustainability? 

According to Mrs. Soja, there are many similarities between IMS’s and Loomis’s approach to environmental sustainability, including its incorporation into academics. The head of school says: “Both schools have also been intentional about working environmental studies into the curriculum, so that students are learning about these topics all throughout their learning experience. Both schools also encourage student engagement in this area for group activism and spreading information within the community.” 

When asked about the differences between her experiences with the environment at IMS and Loomis, Mrs. Soja says: “It seems that Loomis has done more than IMS in terms of creating programs for students and focusing on place-based learning, such as the maple sugaring and the apiary. There is more hands-on student engagement with recycling efforts and the greenhouse. The leadership efforts here are more widespread and there are many more groups working on environmental sustainability and programming.” However, Mrs. Soja recognizes that the Indian Mountain School’s environmental policies are different from those of Loomis, and more needs to be understood about Loomis’s environmental policy before a change is made. She also expresses optimism for the future, hoping “...we continue to find ways to further reduce our impact on the environment both locally and globally.” 

        Mrs. Soja also reveals some future sustainability plans the administration has in store. According to Mrs. Soja, “Environmental sustainability will be included in the strategic plan that we will complete this year and that will inform our work for the next 5 years.” More specifically, she hopes “...that we can increase our use of solar energy, limit or eliminate single-use plastics on campus, do better about food waste, and continue to work on achievable goals whenever we build new buildings or renovate older buildings.” 

Finally, Mrs. Soja offers some advice for community members who want to be a part of sustainability at Loomis. “Find groups that are doing this work and join them! If you don’t know where to start, check in with the Alvord Center or ask your student council representatives. Look for small ways to reduce your own personal impact on the environment, such as avoiding fast fashion, not using single-use plastics, use public transportation when possible, eat less meat, be mindful of water and electricity use.”