In partnership with Alvéole Buzz, Pace has introduced an innovative rooftop beekeeping project to educate the school community about sustainability and the vital role of pollinators in our ecosystem.
Since 2023, there has been a hive of bees on the rooftop. Principal Glatz described the initiative as a significant step towards environmental stewardship. He said, “The beehive isn’t just about producing honey. It’s about showing our students the impact small actions can have on the environment”.
A Rooftop Effort with Big Potential
Although students haven’t had direct access to the hive, the project has sparked interest among the school. When asking students how they feel about having a beehive on the rooftop, junior Jessica Cajilema said, “It’s cool that we have bees on the roof.”
Senior Lina Ahmed admitted, “I didn’t even know we had them.” The array of responses show the need for more student engagement with this initiative.
The bees have been actively collecting nectar from nearby flowers during the warmer months, producing honey while supporting pollination in the community.
Principal Glatz noted the program’s potential to further enhance student learning. Mr. Glatz said, “This project has inspired conversations about biodiversity and sustainability, and we’re looking forward to incorporating it into the curriculum so students can connect even more deeply with the hive.”
Preparing for Winter
As winter approached, Alvéole Buzz and the Pace team ensured that the hive was ready for the colder temperatures. Dorothy Braun, an urban beekeeper from Alvéole wrote on their website, about the bees’ behavior during the winter:
“In the chilly weather, your bees will cluster around the queen inside the hive, keeping her dry and warm, snacking away on the honey they made all summer,” Braun wrote. The surplus honey is carefully harvested, leaving enough reserves to sustain the bees through the winter months.
A Sweet Taste of Success
The honey collected from the hive was shared with staff as a special treat over the winter break, finding a jar of “Pace High School unpasteurized Honey” in each mailbox. Select students had the opportunity to taste the honey, providing their own reviews of the unique experience. Sophomore Sophia Lieberman described the honey’s texture, saying, “It has a crunchy taste. I could tell there are grains of honey in it. It tastes very natural.”
Jaidyn Bing, also a sophomore, praised its flavor. “It tastes so good. Not bitter and it’s sweet,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, Pace High School plans to incorporate the beekeeping project into its science curriculum, creating opportunities for students to learn and engage with the hive.
Principal Glatz is optimistic about the program’s future: “This is just the beginning. We want every student to have the chance to learn from and appreciate the hive. It’s about building a connection to nature and understanding the importance of sustainability.”
The rooftop hive stands as a testament to the school’s commitment to environmental education and community engagement, proving that even in a bustling city, sustainability can thrive.
