Principal Albano developed his affinity for nature growing up in Milwaukee, the son of a marine scientist/reef warden and a landscape architect.  Milwaukee boasted a strong Preserve our Parks program where Carlo first learned about the “Lungs of the City” and how that leads to healthy people. Carlo had access to parks and local bodies of water and developed a strong belief in outdoor spaces; he sees them as ”place(s) of solace and rejuvenation”.  After this upbringing, working in Santa Cruz – with its abundance of outdoor spaces, environmental awareness and sense of stewardship – was amazing.

Principal Albano believes that learning outside the four walls of a classroom is central to a happy and healthy learning environment. SCG was endowed to science based environmental education school (www.scg.suesd.org).

The school tagline of “Here We Grow” leads to many opportunities for student agency; the students have played a leading role in designing, building and learning in permanent outdoor learning spaces. The SAGE Garden located at the front of the school, once underutilized space, is now a nearly, 4,000 sq.ft. multizonal learning environment where students can take a mindful walk through the sensory zone, learn more about specific adaptations in the native and drought tolerant zones or sit with friends on the student designed and built Buddy Bench.   

Principal Albano and 2 SCG teachers host a visit in the SAGE garden 

There is a broad range of environmental activities including a Poetry Trail, created by second grade students, offering a rotating outdoor publication venue; efforts related to trail maintenance; projects studying pollinators and creating bee hotels; as well as the formation of student green teams.

Principal Albano supports his highly trained educators who integrate NGSS into all subject matter through hands-on real-world problem solving based on Project Based Learning and Nature Journaling learning models. The teaching team are always on the lookout for local current events that will create teachable moments. Modeling these practices in front of their students also allows space to unpack how scientists and engineers think.

Principal Albano tirelessly advocates for his students and staff, writing grants, requesting donations, and speaking at conferences to garner support of these amazing programs. Principal Albano’s school team has developed strong partnerships with community parents, and non-profit organizations such as Ocean Guardian School (through NOAA). It is truly an impressive program that he has helped shape with his team and with the support of the district and county.

An important focus for SCG culture is reducing waste, "Garbology"