The Tabernacle Elementary School and The Kenneth R. Olson Middle School, both schools in the Tabernacle Township School District, have met the rigorous requirements to achieve Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification. These schools join a group of 83 schools that achieved the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification in 2016. A total of 538 schools and 218 school districts are participating in the program overall.
“The Administration and Board of Education are extremely proud of the efforts of our staff and students that resulted in this prestigious award,” said Superintendent Glenn Robbins.
Sustainable Jersey for Schools is voluntary, but achieving certification is not easy. Schools collaborate with their school district to complete actions, upload documentation and achieve certification.
“Becoming certified with Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a significant achievement for schools and their school district,” said Donna Drewes, co-director of Sustainable Jersey. “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.”
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, achieving a minimum of 150 points. Silver-level certification requires that a school attain 350 points or more.
Certified schools excelled in areas such as improving energy efficiency and health and wellness, integrating sustainability into student learning and reducing waste. Randall Solomon, co-director of the Sustainable Jersey program congratulated the certified schools.
“I commend the schools that have achieved certification for their demonstrated commitment toward the long-term goal of a sustainable New Jersey,” Solomon said.
“We are proud of the leadership provided by the boards of education and their superintendents, as well as the contributions of principals, teachers, education support professionals and parents, that made this important milestone a reality,” said Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, New Jersey School Boards Association executive director. “We congratulate the schools on achieving Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification.”
Tabernacle Township School District and the certified schools were honored at a reception during the New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop 2016 Conference on Oct. 25 in Atlantic City.
