Intermediate School Principal Geoffrey Haines (second in on right) with officials as he receives the bronze certification for sustainability in October. (Photo courtesy JASM Consulting)
The Ocean City Intermediate School has met the rigorous requirements to achieve Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification, according to a JASM Consulting press release.
These schools form part of a group of 111 schools that achieved the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification in 2018.
A total of 779 schools and 310 school districts are participating in the program overall.
“Through the support of our superintendent, school board, the Ocean City and greater community, staff and students, we were able to achieve Bronze Certification for the second straight year,” Intermediate School Principal Geoff Haines said.
Haines added, “We were only one of three schools in the county to be recognized by Sustainable Jersey for Schools. We will not rest on this achievement, but are continuing our sustainability efforts, including new recycling challenges and other awareness programs for staff, students and the community.”
Proof of dedication to recycling initiatives, the Ocean City School District won the national RecyleBowl, coming in first place in the “district division” of the contest.
Ocean City school district representatives are presented with the school's bronze certification for sustainability. (Photo courtesy JASM Consulting)
Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a program for pre-kindergarten through senior year in the state’s public schools.
It is voluntary and achieving certification is not easy.
Each school that is certified must submit documentation to show it has completed a balanced portfolio of the program’s sustainability actions.
With most actions worth 10 points each, bronze-level certification requires a minimum of 150 points and silver-level certification requires a minimum of 350 points.
Over 3,048 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.
“We applaud the schools that have achieved certification this year. Their leadership and hard work will help New Jersey continue to evolve through their advancement of equitable, sustainable and innovative practices,” said Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey.
He added, “Becoming certified with Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a significant achievement for schools and their school district.”
New Jersey School Boards Association Executive Director Lawrence S. Feinsod said, “Sustainable schools provide a healthy environment, conserve resources and continually improve the well-being of the community.”
Feinsod continued, “We are proud of 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. Congratulations to the 111 schools that achieved Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification in 2018.”
On Oct. 23 the certified schools and their districts were recognized at a reception held during NJSBA Workshop 2018 in Atlantic City.
