On Oct. 27 at the Atlantic City Convention Center, Kenneth R. Olson Middle School was awarded a certificate that only 54 of the approximately 2,500 schools in New Jersey received.
The school was recognized as a “sustainable school” by the Sustainable Jersey for Schools organization.
The Tabernacle Township School District was honored for obtaining this accolade at a reception during the New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop 2015 Conference.
Superintendent George Rafferty, Principal Susan Grosser, green team chair Robert Hogan, iSTEM teacher Heather Petersack, board members Dr. Heidi Freeman and John Bulina, as well as director of curriculum Christine Skinner were present to accept the award.
This elite group is now a part of the first ever to achieve the Sustainability Jersey for Schools certification.
The organization is a new nonprofit that certifies schools in sustainability based on their efforts in achieving environmentally “green” practices.
There are numerous requirements these schools must achieve the organization describes as rigorous.
“Becoming certified with Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a significant achievement for schools and their school district,” co-director of Sustainable Jersey Donna Drewes said. “They are leaders in implementing sustainability measures that save money, improve the learning environment and prepare today’s students to address the challenges of tomorrow.”
“I commend the schools that have achieved certification for their demonstrated commitment toward the long-term goal of a sustainable New Jersey,” co-director of the Sustainable Jersey program Randall Solomon said.
Schools are required to collaborate with their respective districts to complete various actions and provide documentation toward certification. For instance, it is mandatory that every district and school establish a “green team.”
The board also must approve policies supporting sustainable practices in categories such as green purchasing, recycling practices and energy efficiency.
Tabernacle earned high marks for the district’s efforts in the wellness and nutrition category. The district and schools have established School Wellness Councils that meet and examine ways to implement healthy practices and support physical activity for students.
The school’s support of the visual and performing arts for all students was another district highlight that contributed to the Olson Middle School achieving certification.
“Sustainable Jersey for Schools views the supporting of the arts in education as a valuable educational enterprise, and we agree,” Rafferty said.
Districts earn points toward their completion of these “actions.”
Olson Middle School has been involved in some efforts that are deemed best practices in sustainability, prior to the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program starting last October.
The school was already involved in school wellness and nutrition, through the adoption of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program, updated wellness policies and the establishment of School Wellness Committees.
It was also involved with the implementation of innovative curriculum, as well as its facilities manager’s implementation of “green” practices in purchasing, energy and cleaning.
“The motivation behind our efforts to work toward achieving sustainability is the board’s, the administration’s and staff’s belief that preserving our precious resources is extremely important for leaving our children with a better tomorrow,” Rafferty said. “Bringing these efforts and practices into our schools, curriculum and everyday practices teaches our students — who are our future — the importance of taking the lead in a sustainability.”
Tabernacle Elementary School is also looking to become a part of this sustainable schools group in the near future.
Through Principal Dr. Gerald Paterson’s leadership, along with his staff, the school has already been documenting and submitting sustainable efforts toward certification to Sustainable Jersey. The next opportunity for schools to be reviewed for certification will be in January, and Rafferty is confident TES will reach its goal.
“Our New Year’s resolution, so to speak, is to have both of our schools certified in January 2016!” Rafferty said. “The elementary school has previously established a school garden, which is a wonderful sustainable practice for our students to learn about and value in school.”
