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North Campus Projects Usher in Spring at South Kent

April 16, 2025 by Sarah Chase

By Richard Chavka, Director of North Campus Operations

Despite the unpredictable spring weather in South Kent, where April temperatures average highs of 57°F and lows around 38°F—with plenty of rain in between—activity on North Campus is in full bloom.

A dedicated afternoon crew of eight students has been hard at work advancing a number of key campus revitalization projects. Their efforts have included completing raised garden beds with enriched soil, constructing essential growing tables for seed trays, and building new decorative raised beds to enhance the landscape.

Preparations are also underway to relocate one of the storage sheds closer to the greenhouses—an important step in streamlining daily operations. Meanwhile, the second hoop house is being cleared and readied for planting. This includes securing the movable sides and reinstalling plastic coverings as needed to ensure a controlled, productive growing environment.
Inside the greenhouses, students are planting both cool- and warm-weather seeds in trays. These seedlings will be transplanted in the coming weeks, marking another exciting step in our seasonal cultivation.

Beyond the fields and greenhouses, the Kitchen has remained an active hub of community and hospitality. A celebratory dinner was recently held in honor of the Fifth Form, and several events for local organizations, including the Kent Lions Club, are on the calendar. Plans are also underway to expand the weekly culinary program for students through the end of the academic year, offering more hands-on learning and connection to the food they help grow.

Looking ahead, planning for the next academic year has already begun. A key focus will be partnering with both the STEM and Humanities departments to develop new courses that draw on the unique resources of the North Campus. These interdisciplinary offerings will aim to bridge practical experience with academic insight—bringing our mission of thoughtful, hands-on learning to life.

South Kent Marks Earth Day with Environmental Stewardship

April 14, 2025 by Sarah Chase

On Friday, April 11th, South Kent School students, faculty, and staff rolled up their sleeves and took to the roads, streams, trails, and campus grounds for our annual community-wide Cleanup Day. With Earth Day just around the corner, the Hillside community came together to honor the land we call home—and give back to the greater South Kent area through hands-on stewardship.

The day began with a Chapel service at St. Michael’s, where The Reverend Steve Klots reminded the community of our, “God-given obligation to be faithful stewards of creation.” His words set the tone for a day rooted in care, reflection, and responsibility.

The event was organized by Father Klots, in close collaboration with the Kent Conservation Commission, who provided both logistical support and celebratory Earth Day cakes to thank participants for their hard work.

Armed with gloves, garbage bags, and determination, thirteen groups of faculty-led student teams were deployed across South Kent and neighboring areas—from Leonard Pond and Bull’s Bridge to Hatch Pond, Camps Flat Road, and along the railroad tracks near the North Campus. Even the streambed near Stockdale Arena and the slopes by the maintenance shed got a deep clean.

This tradition is more than just a beautification effort. It teaches students the value of environmental stewardship, community responsibility, and the real impact of collective action. Every bottle collected and every piece of litter removed reinforces the idea that small efforts, when done together, can make a big difference.

South Kent is proud to continue this annual initiative, blending our mission of thoughtful living with real-world action—one bag of trash at a time.

South Kent to Host Panel on “Balancing Nature”

March 25, 2025March 25, 2025 by Sarah Chase

South Kent School is excited to host an upcoming panel discussion, Watershed Moments: Balancing Nature with local land preservation and waterways experts. The panel will also touch on effective fire safety measures in changing environments. This event will take place on Friday, April 25th afternoon during E Block (1:35pm-2:45pm) in Bringhurst Auditorium, offering students and attendees the opportunity to hear from leading experts in environmental stewardship.

What to Expect
Moderated by South Kent School’s Director of Communications, Sarah Chase, this discussion will explore the critical balance between preserving natural habitats and proactively managing fire hazards. With environmental challenges intensifying, the need for collaboration and innovative solutions has never been more urgent. The event will be especially valuable for students in Earth Science, Biology, and Physics, who will gain real-world insights related to their coursework.

Meet the Panelists

We are honored to welcome a distinguished group of experts:
Rebecca Neary – Board of Director for the Connecticut Land Conservation Council and member of the Board of Directors of the Housatonic Valley Association who will discuss conservation efforts and watershed protection for the Warren Land Trust.
Eric Epstein – Longtime Kent resident and Deputy Emergency Management Director, who will share insights on emergency preparedness and environmental safety.
Rich Chavka – SKS faculty member and manager of North Campus programs, who will discuss environmental engineering and sustainability initiatives at South Kent School.
Michael Kronick – Fire Control Officer for the Western District, who will provide expertise on fire safety and risk mitigation strategies.

This panel is a unique opportunity to hear from professionals actively working in land preservation, water resource management, and fire safety. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on how to steward natural resources responsibly and contribute to a more sustainable future. We encourage South Kent School students, faculty, and staff to join us for what promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking discussion.

South Kent Students to Shine at Firefly Environmental Arts Festival

February 11, 2025 by Sarah Chase

A selection of South Kent student photos and art that will be on display at the festival

South Kent School students are gearing up for an exciting evening of art, STEM, and sustainability at the inaugural Firefly Environmental Arts Festival, hosted by Millbrook School on February 21. This unique event brings together students, educators, and professionals to celebrate the intersection of science, creativity, and environmental advocacy.

The festival will feature keynote speaker Eileen Fielding, Director of the Sharon Audubon Center, who will deliver an inspiring talk on the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability. For South Kent students, this event is more than just an opportunity to showcase their talents in nature photography—it’s a platform for meaningful collaboration with like-minded peers and professionals who are making a difference in sustainability efforts across the region.

“The Firefly Environmental Arts Festival is a perfect example of how art and science can come together to inspire change,” said South Kent STEM Dean Michelle Borsavage, who played a key role in ensuring South Kent’s participation. “Our students are thrilled to be part of this event, especially as it aligns so well with the sustainability and environmental initiatives we’ve been cultivating at North Campus. The chance to share their work and engage with others who are equally passionate about conservation is truly exciting.”

South Kent’s North Campus has been at the heart of the School’s commitment to environmental education, regenerative agriculture, and hands-on learning in sustainability. Through applied STEM coursework, ecological restoration projects, and farm-to-table initiatives, students have developed a deep connection to the land and an understanding of the role they can play in shaping a sustainable future.

The Firefly Environmental Arts Festival offers South Kent students a chance to further highlight their environmental work, exchange ideas with students from other schools, and gain insight from professionals actively working in conservation. The evening’s collaborative art exhibit, featuring nature-inspired works by both professional and student artists, will serve as a testament to the power of art in raising awareness and inspiring action for environmental causes.

As South Kent students prepare to take part in this exciting event, the importance of hands-on sustainability education at North Campus has never been clearer. Opportunities like these allow students to engage with the broader environmental community, strengthening their commitment to conservation, scientific inquiry, and creative expression.

The Firefly Environmental Arts Festival promises to be a dynamic evening of inspiration and action, and South Kent School is proud to be part of this regional movement toward a more sustainable future.

North Campus a Hub for Culinary Education and Sustainable Agriculture

December 27, 2024December 16, 2024 by Sarah Chase

South Kent students prepare meals during culinary class at North Campus

South Kent School Transforms North Campus into Hub for Culinary Education and Sustainable Agriculture

South Kent School is proud to announce the ongoing transformation of its North Campus into a dynamic hub for hands-on learning in culinary arts and sustainable agriculture. The initiative, designed to deepen students’ understanding of food systems, sustainability, and climate solutions, has already achieved significant milestones with more growth planned for 2025.

The transformation focuses on two primary areas: weekly culinary experiences and enhancements to the campus’s agricultural infrastructure. Together, these efforts provide students with immersive, real-world learning opportunities that blend practical skills with academic study.

“The transformation of our North Campus reflects our commitment to experiential education, environmental stewardship, and the power of community collaboration,” said Brian D. Sullivan, Head of School. “By fostering enduring partnerships with local chefs, community members, and sustainability experts, we are creating a living, learning environment that benefits not just our students, but the wider community. This initiative invites people from all walks of life to join us in a shared mission to develop innovative solutions for food systems, climate resilience, and sustainable practices.”

Culinary Education Brings Food Systems to Life

One of the most celebrated additions to the North Campus programming has been the return of weekly Friday night culinary sessions. Each week, local chefs, South Kent faculty, and culinary experts from SAGE, the school’s food service partner, lead cooking workshops for students. From learning knife skills to preparing international cuisines, students are exposed to the artistry and science of cooking.

“The kitchen has become a space of creativity and collaboration,” adds Mr. Sullivan. “It’s more than cooking—students are learning to appreciate nutrition, cultural diversity, and the joy of sharing meals together. These experiences teach them to see food as a tool for connection, education, and wellness.”

These sessions emphasize the “plow-to-plate” philosophy, connecting the culinary experience to the sustainable farming activities happening on the rest of the campus.

Building Infrastructure for Sustainability and Student Engagement

While culinary lessons happen indoors, significant work has also taken place outside to create a hands-on learning farm. Students have played a direct role in several major infrastructure projects, including:

28 Custom-Built Raised Garden Beds – Designed and constructed by students using pine and aluminum to house a wide range of crops.

Upgrades to the Hoop House – Students installed a three-zone drip irrigation system to promote water conservation, and the entrance was renovated to meet ADA compliance, making the space accessible to all.

Future Projects – Plans are underway for the construction of large compost bins and chicken tractors in the spring, offering students hands-on experience in regenerative farming and waste reduction.

“Every project on the North Campus is student-driven,” said Richard Chavka, Director of North Campus Operations. “From designing irrigation systems to building raised beds, our students are taking an active role in shaping this space, which is at the heart of experiential learning. Our goal is to create a space where students, educators, and community members can come together to build something that endures beyond the school year.”

These developments are part of South Kent School’s broader vision to create a sustainable, student-led farm that incorporates no-till farming, carbon capture, agroforestry, and hydroponics. The North Campus aims to become a living laboratory where students explore food production, climate change, and ecological stewardship.

Looking Ahead

As winter approaches, South Kent School is working with the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) to pursue certified organic designation for the North Campus. This designation will ensure the farm follows sustainable agricultural practices and serves as a model for future student-led initiatives.

South Kent School is also developing a comprehensive North Campus Development Plan that will guide future activities, from farming expansion to student research projects. This plan will integrate sustainability concepts across the school’s curriculum, empowering students to address pressing global challenges like food security and climate change.

To support the further development of North Campus in 2025 the School will be launching a section of their web site solely devoted to North Campus programming and events, as well as a new student-led social media account for the program. For more information on South Kent School’s North Campus transformation or to learn how you can support this initiative, please contact Richard Chavka: [email protected]

South Kent Named “Must Watch Boarding School” in 2024

November 28, 2024 by Sarah Chase

South Kent School is honored to be named as a “Must Watch Boarding School” for 2024 in the November 2024 issue of K12 Digest®. This prestigious recognition highlights our innovative approach to education, our commitment to fostering leadership and resilience, and the unique opportunities we provide for young men to thrive academically, athletically, and personally.

The feature article, which graces the cover of this issue, provides an in-depth look at what makes South Kent School a standout institution. From our world-class academic and athletic programs to our emphasis on character development and sustainability, this story captures the essence of what sets South Kent apart.

Head of School Brian Sullivan shared his pride in this recognition, saying, “Being named a ‘Must Watch Boarding School’ is a testament to the incredible efforts of our Hillside community, and students. This acknowledgment reaffirms our mission to develop thoughtful, resilient, and self-reliant young men who will go on to make a meaningful impact in the world.”