Stevens Library Earns Unprecedented Accolade LMS facility first in country to earn “Net Zero” status Built in 2012, the Lower & Middle Schools’ Stevens Library is now the first library in the country and first school building in the state to be recognized as a “Net Zero Energy Building” by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI). Operating entirely as an energy efficient facility, the 6,800 square-foot library has been lauded for its independence from fossil fuels, active commitment to resource reduction, and dedication to sustaining a healthy environment. Maximizing natural sources of energy including water and solar, increasing interior flexibility for a variety of usage, and ensuring The Stevens Library combines a serene learning environment for students with a strucsite material conservation and reuse, the library was designed to meet rigorous standards ture that is is independent from fossil fuels and has reduced the campus’ resource usage. indeed did not exceed its annual net productivity. Earning this outlined in ILFI’s Living Building Challenge, status now stamps the Stevens Library as a model and modern with a goal to “operate as cleanly, beautifully, and efficiently facility, and further marks it as a pioneer in California’s 2008 as nature’s architecture.” Though constructed two years ago, Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan requiring all new the library only became eligible for ILFI certification in 2014, construction to be “Zero Net Energy” by 2030. following verifiable proof that its required energy consumption
Five Questions with Jessica Patti Getting to know the Prep’s new Dean of Students What attracted you to Sacred Heart Prep (SHP)?: Jessica Patti (JP): The Goals and Criteria were a significant reason why I chose Sacred Heart. Being a dean of students, I really like that idea of educating in an “atmosphere of wise freedom.” We are creating a culture and identity on our campus that allows for that exploration of personal accountability, and being able to make choices within the structure of an environment— that illustrates a student is maturing. Where were you working prior to joining SHP? JP: The John Cooper School, which is a pre-kindergarten through high school with 1,200 students; so very similar in size to [Sacred Heart]. It is in The Woodlands, Texas, just north of Houston. Why do you enjoy working as a dean of students?: JP: One of the reasons is my passion around student accountability, not the reactionary and disciplinary side of things, but really in creating a culture. [I enjoy] partnering with faculty and families with students on what it means to be personally accountable. In other words, “How do I as a student begin to take ownership for my own life?” Now in your second semester at Sacred Heart, what would you say has been a highlight of your time here? JP: Really talking with students and getting to know them, and also supporting them in the pursuit of their passions. 16
Dean of Students Jessica Patti took on an added role second semester teaching a section of U.S. History.
How does SHP differ from other schools in which you’ve worked? JP: This is my third tenure on a campus as dean of students. As a Catholic myself, and graduate of an all-girls Catholic school, I really want to look at disciplinary standards [related to] the ethical and moral compass we are attempting to develop in our students—to bring a Catholic lens to that particular [aspect of student oversight].