• Sustainability

    Sustainability is an approach to living on this planet and with each other that sets as a priority the thoughtful use of resources so that future generations inherit a healthy and productive planet.

    At Maplewood Richmond Heights, we have infused sustainability learning and practices throughout the district.  From course work at our secondary schools to participation in Sustainable St. Louis, MRH is committed to sustainable practices in all aspects of the district—education, families, food, facilities, the ecosystem, and the community.

    Seed-to-Table

    Four gardens at the district help educate students about the natural world around them. The focus is on nature, life cycles, and nutrition, and students are immersed in health literacy throughout the garden curriculum.

    Program GoalsWomen selling flowers at the farmers market

    • Promote principles of sustainability and stewardship
    • Teach respect for nature and the environment
    • Teach the basic principles of organic gardening
    • Engage in hands-on exploration of food and nutrition 
    • Emphasize healthy lifestyle choices
    • Promote the value of cooperation, teamwork, responsibility and sense of place
    • Use the garden as an outdoor classroom
    • Create a sense of community among students, teachers, parents and members of the community
    • Support all areas of the curriculum using the natural world as the tools.

    Almut Marino, Director of Seed to Table
    MRH Early Childhood Center
    2801 Oakland Avenue
    Maplewood, MO 63143
    314-644-4405
    almut.marino@mrhschools.net

    Jessica Mathis, Director of Seed to Table
    MRH Elementary School
    1800 Princeton Place
    Richmond Heights, MO 63117
    314-644-4403
    jessica.mathis@mrhschools.net

    Melissa Breed-Parks, Director of Seed to Table
    MRH High School/Middle School
    7539 Manchester Road
    Maplewood, MO 63143
    314-644-4400
    melissa.breed-parks@mrhschools.net

    Irene Wan, MRH Director of Food Services
    7539 Manchester Road
    Maplewood, MO 63143
    314-446-1722
    irene.wan@mrhschools.net

    MRH Chicken Project

    In August, 2009, the school district launched the MRH Chicken Project by establishing a coop and chicken runat the early childhood center, and populating it with 14 chickens. These chickens have been providing meaningful instruction for students from preschool Chickenthrough high school with regards to the life cycle, biology, nutrition, and care for the living world. In addition, the Chicken Project is a resource for community members wishing to raise their own chickens. Learn more: Check out the Chicken Fact Sheet, listen to the NPR story about the chickens.

    Blue Devil Bees

    Like the MRH chickens, the bees are helping students learn about the natural world and about where food comes from, but they’re also learning about science and how to make and market products like honey, beeswax lip balm, and candles. The bees, located on MRH grounds at the Student Success Center, are managed by a middle school student bee club. Learn more: Check out the Bee Reference Guide.

    Buildings and Grounds

    Not only is MRH introducing sustainability learning for its students, but it also has embraced sustainability practices in how it manages its facilities. Green cleaning projects, low-energy lighting solutions, efficient heating and cooling systems (and windows!), and more. In 2011 through a grant, MRH replaced numerous light switches with motion sensor to ensure using energy only when needed.