WEST CAPE MAY – At an event held Dec. 3, Sustainable Jersey for Schools and the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) announced that West Cape May Elementary has been awarded a $10,000 Sustainable Jersey for Schools grant. These grants will support school and district projects that link student learning and sustainability efforts to school rain gardens, outdoor learning classrooms, a winter greenhouse, an aquaponics system, native habitat gardens, sustainability curriculum and more.
“We are very excited to receive this funding from NJEA to support the expansion of our school garden,” said Dr. Alfred Savio, Chief School Administrator. “A parent of two of our students, Dr. Inga La Puma, has been a driving force in our school for sustainability issues, including a movement to Farm to School for our school lunch program. She is involved in our school garden, and wrote this grant to allow us to build a winter greenhouse and storage shed on the property in support of the school garden,” Savio added.
These grants are funded by NJEA, which has partnered with Sustainable Jersey for Schools to provide over $180,000 to qualifying schools and districts.
“NJEA is proud to work with Sustainable Jersey on this important program that directs resources into our schools,” said NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Sean Spiller. “It is our job to help create a new generation of engaged citizens and leaders. By emphasizing the value of sustainability, we also help ensure that we leave a better world for our students.”
Earlier this year, Sustainable Jersey formed an underwriting partnership with NJEA. In addition to funding this cycle of the grant program, NJEA provides in-kind support through research and technical expertise. Sustainable Jersey for Schools is supported by 12 issue-based task forces that help develop and update the certification actions. NJEA’s leadership and members serve on Sustainable Jersey task forces and over 137 districts and 328 schools are currently participating in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program.
“We know that schools and districts are in the best position to determine the needs for their schools,” said Donna Drewes, who co-directs Sustainable Jersey with Randall Solomon. “These NJEA-funded grants will allow school communities to come together to improve outcomes for students, teachers and the environment. Collaboration is key, and we are proud to have support from important strategic partners like NJEA.”
Proposals were judged by an independent Blue Ribbon Selection Committee. The Sustainable Jersey for Schools grants are intended to help school districts and schools make progress toward a sustainable future in general, and specifically toward Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification.
“The school garden is a wonderful educational tool to enhance the curriculum. Not only do students learn about growing vegetables, flowers, and herbs, but they get to enjoy the fruits of their labor with an end-of-year luncheon that features the harvest from the garden,” Savio added.
