All three of the Black Horse Pike Regional School District schools reached bronze status from Sustainable Jersey for the 2019 school year, Sustainable Jersey for Schools announced early last week.
Highland, Triton and Timber Creek regional high schools were three of the 108 public schools that achieved certification during the latest cycle of accepted schools, according to a release from the nonprofit.
The program is designed for schools pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. To be certified at the bronze level, a school must reach a minimum of 150 points while completing a balanced portfolio of the program’s sustainability actions, which includes food and nutrition, student learning, green initiatives and more.
“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, in the release. “The 2019 schools that have achieved Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification are leading the way to a more sustainable New Jersey. I’ve seen time and again, when schools and our young people are given direction and support, they’re powerful catalysts for change. Becoming certified with Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a significant achievement.”
After the latest batch of accepted schools, a total of 872 schools and 337 school districts are participating in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program overall, with more than 5,000 sustainability actions taking place, ranging from energy audits to boosted recycling efforts and more.
“Sustainable schools provide a healthy environment, conserve resources and improve the well-being of the community,” said Lawrence 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.”
Of the three Gloucester Township schools, Timber Creek finished the highest with a total of 185 points to reach the bronze certification. Both Triton and Highland finished with 165 points.
Timber Creek received 30 points for its Onsite Renewable Generation System, according to the report submitted to Sustainable Jersey for Schools.
“The array over a 12-month period manages to supply an average of 42 percent of the total power consumed at the site,” said Principal Kasha Giddens in the report. “We have a real time 50-inch monitor of array data and carbon emissions tracking located in our Library Media Center that is used as a learning tool and lets students see the impact that renewable power can have on the environment.”
The three schools were also able to achieve points for various other initiatives, such as student participation in the arts, green cleaning supplies, community education and outreach and more.
The newly certified schools will be celebrated at a reception Tuesday, Oct. 22 during the NJSBA Workshop in Atlantic City. For more information regarding the certification reports for the three schools, visit sustainablejerseyschools.com and view the interactive map under the “Participating Districts and Schools” page.
