Think Green

Dana Morris Strupp '77
Is this the PDS/USN you remember?
 
As I walked in the front doors on 19th Avenue the other day, I started thinking about what has changed since I was a student here.  The students travel the halls just as we did in the 70’s although book bags are even a little lighter due to textbooks in digital version.   The teachers are teaching in the same thoughtful and engaging way, and K-12 students mingle effortlessly with each other.
Our students are making some important changes for the future of our school and the future of the world.

USN employs a full time Naturalist, Cynthia Lee. Starting in kindergarten, our Young Naturalists program connects our young students with the wonder of the natural world.  Throughout lower school, students learn about  the importance of clean water for the life cycle of trout. They study the habitats of Tennessee wildlife, canoe on Lake Woodhaven, and kayak the Duck River to learn about freshwater mussels. Cynthia says, “The students become naturalists. Every other week they go out on journeys with a bag filled with naturalist tools. Clipboard, paper, colored pencils…. We have a focused exploration and draw what we see.” USN also has an outdoor classroom and a garden on the Edgehill campus.

Our programmable HVAC system and automatic light switches are saving energy.  Several  years ago, students helped USN receive a grant from  the Benedict Foundation which funded a new dishwashing system, and non-disposable plates, trays, cups, and cutlery ending the cafeteria’s use of styrofoam and disposable paper goods. The installation of hydration stations on every floor reduce the use of plastic water bottles on campus.

 In 2011, solar panels were installed at our River Campus, and Freya Sachs ’00, Environmental Studies teacher, says, “What I love about our sustainability initiatives is how student-driven they are….from solar panels to increased recycled content of our paper, from our school garden to less waste in our cafeteria take-out system. Our students are asking questions about how they can make their campus reflect their values and choices.”

Yes, we’ve come a long long way since the '70’s, and the list of initiatives is ongoing  year after year. Our students are always working toward a greener school environment.
This is truly the PDS/USN you remember. Progressive and extra special. 
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More USN News

List of 3 news stories.

  • Spring sports season ends with podium finishes, trophies

    The girls lacrosse team ended its season in overtime to become state runner-up. Tennis players Carter Kojetin '29 finished as a state quarterfinalist, Sophie Oliver '26 and Mary Kate Adler '28 finished as state semifinalists, and Veer Kodali '29 and Max Parker '29 finished as state champions. Meanwhile, eight runners competed at the state track and field meet in Knoxville, where Griffin Davidson '27, Caleb Freifeld '28, Drew Zwerner '28, and Jack Fruin '27, sprinted to first in the 4x800m relay and Jack also placed first in the 800m dash.
    Read More
  • Interim Director Juliet Douglas roars with laughter as students hold photos of her on sticks during the High School Awards Assembly on Friday, May 8 in Durnan Auditorium.

    USN creates the Juliet Douglas Endowed Fund for Student Success

    For the entire USN community: an invitation to give in gratitude, in celebration, and in honor of the woman who has given so much to our school. Make a gift at usn.org/giving to support students with needs beyond tuition and honor Interim Director Juliet Douglas.
    Read More
  • The team poses for a photo after competing in the Middle School Quiz Bowl National Championships.

    Middle School Quiz Bowl competes at national championship

    The Middle School Quiz Bowl finished off another successful season with a trip to the Middle School National Championship Tournament in Chicago. The team fought hard and ended the season as a top-100 program in the country, finishing 75th overall. Congratulations to the team on a great performance and to Lucas Lupu ’31, named an All Star for being the fifth-highest scorer nationwide.
    Read More
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Contact

Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212

Phone:  615-321-8000
Fax:       615-321-0889 
Email:    info@usn.org

River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218

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USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.