Sustainable campus changes over time

Jennifer Thomas, science department chair, described how in 2019, when the school first applied for California Green Ribbon status, “We wanted to use the application, which is quite in-depth, as a benchmark and way to set goals for ourselves.” Rob Copple, a SFHS alumnus, has been involved with the facilities for over 20 years and is directly involved in the day-to-day changes that foster caring for and protecting God’s creation.

Rob shared, “I have physically changed thousands of light fixtures from compact fluorescent to LED, starting more than 15 years ago. I have also been involved with the construction and modernization of our campus to be more efficient and ‘green.’ Green Ribbon recognition is a milestone, but it is not an end.”

The Interconnectedness of Creation and the Legacy of the Holy Cross Brothers

In 2015, the Holy See published Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’: On Care of our Common Home, which galvanized the community to commit to significant systemic changes, with the business office prioritizing expenses for environmentally friendly options such as reusable cutlery and kitchenware, which are currently utilized in the school's new dining facility. Jennifer reflected, “That document meant everything to those of us working in this space, and it gave us the wherewithal that this is our calling as Catholics.”

Principal Katie Teekell offered, “Becoming identified as a Green Ribbon school serves as an affirmation of the work of so many: our facilities team led by Rob Copple, our Business Office— led by Sue Reyneri — and so many educators and students who have passionately worked towards living out the message of Saint Francis of Assisi inside and out of the classroom.”

For Rob, these changes align with the Holy Cross Brothers’ stewardship of the school they founded. Rob revealed that, “Through sustainability, we are carrying on the thrifty ways of the Brothers. They were the original caretakers of the school. Being in facilities, I have had the blessing of seeing how they took care of things.”

Rob has also noticed a shift in the community with students utilizing dishwashing stations and consistently picking up after themselves. Rob reflected, “I think one of the greatest consequences of increasing sustainability is that it brings people together, increases overall mood, and promotes working together towards a common goal. So, being good stewards of the environment and planet, the community is also working at being good stewards towards each other.”

Faith Reignited: Caring for our Common Home on Campus

Jennifer’s commitment to observing the Green Ribbon framework on campus overlaps into both academic and personal concerns. “I want to help my students, as the youngest generation who will be most severely impacted by the rapidly changing climate, to understand scientific data and processes, as well as ways to mitigate harm and adapt to a more sustainable future.” She recently defended her dissertation at the University of San Francisco, which explored the effectiveness of the Green Ribbon School framework in K–12 schools.

Her faith has also been impacted throughout both the Saint Francis Green Ribbon journey and her own personal studies. Lately, she shared honestly, “I have experienced a reigniting of interest in Catholicity. Jesus is a role model for my approach to others. As a lifelong Catholic, I have had ebbs and flows in my relationship with the Church and faith.”

She continued, “However, with Pope Francis being the most inspirational Church leader of my lifetime and his call to Catholics in the encyclical Laudato Si', I have been inspired to listen to his call to bring the whole human family together in conversation about how we can better care for each other and the entire planetary sphere and then concrete action to achieve this.”

Regarding his faith, Rob said, “Through this Green Ribbon experience, I feel my relationship with Christ has been intensified through my own spiritual connection with the physical grounds of our campus. Today, we are all increasingly influenced by social media, technology and intangible factors. I feel that the connection and dedication to the care of our physical environment are equivalent to being connected to the flesh of Christ. This journey of the Green Ribbon has only helped to further strengthen my bond with Him.”

In Rob’s own words, Saint Francis' own path in its commitment to practices that care for creation is only just beginning: “It is a journey that will span decades and generations; that is just my two cents there.”

To learn more about the California Green Ribbon Requirements for Schools, click here.