HOWELL – All 12 schools in the Howell K-8 School District have met the requirements to achieve Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification. These schools form part of a group of 108 schools that achieved the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification in 2019.
The 12 Howell schools that have achieved certification are Adelphia Elementary School, Aldrich Elementary School, Ardena Elementary School, Greenville Elementary School, Griebling Elementary School, Land O’ Pines Elementary School, Memorial Elementary School, Newbury Elementary School, Ramtown Elementary School, Taunton Elementary School, Howell Middle School North and Howell Middle School South, according to a press release from the school district.
Sustainable Jersey for Schools, a program for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade public schools in New Jersey, is voluntary, but achieving certification takes commitment and collaborative effort, according to the press release.
Each school that is certified at the bronze level must submit documentation to show it has completed a balanced portfolio of the program’s sustainability actions, attaining a minimum of 150 points.
Currently, a total of 872 schools and 337 school districts are participating in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program overall, according to the press release.
“I commend the teachers, administrators, staff, parents and students for their hard work and dedication; it’s truly paying off,” said Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. “The 2019 schools that have achieved Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification are leading the way to a more sustainable New Jersey.
“I have seen time and again, when schools and our young people are given direction and support, they are powerful catalysts for change. Becoming certified with Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a significant achievement,” Solomon said.
To date, 5,079 sustainability actions were completed by schools and districts participating in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program – from performing energy audits and boosting recycling efforts to integrating sustainability into student learning and promoting student and staff wellness, according to the press release.
“Sustainable schools provide a healthy environment, conserve resources and improve the well-being of the community,” said Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, New Jersey School Boards Association executive director. “Attaining certification is a significant accomplishment that reflects the leadership of the boards of education and their superintendents, as well as the contributions of principals, teachers, education support professionals and parents in this effort.”
On Oct. 22, the certified schools and their districts were celebrated at a reception held during NJSBA Workshop 2019 in Atlantic City.