The Ocean City Intermediate School has met the rigorous requirements to achieve Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification.
In all, 108 schools achieved the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification in 2019, according to a press release.
“The Ocean City Intermediate School staff, students and families worked hard to continue our sustainable efforts, whether it be recycling, conservation, or energy reduction. It is a great honor to be awarded the certification for the third year in a row,” said Geoffery Haines, Ocean City School District K-12 athletic director and former Intermediate School principal.
Sustainable Jersey for Schools, a program for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade public schools in New Jersey, is voluntary, but achieving certification takes commitment and collaborative effort. 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, attaining a minimum of 150 points.
This year, ten schools achieved certification at the more advanced silver level, which requires a minimum of 350 points of sustainability actions.
Currently, a total of 872 schools and 337 school districts are participating in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program overall. Following is the complete list of schools that achieved certification in 2019: 2019 Sustainable Jersey for Schools Certified Schools.
“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. “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.”
To date, 5,079 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.
“Sustainable schools provide a healthy environment, conserve resources and improve the well-being of the community,” said Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) 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.”
On Oct. 22, the certified schools and their districts will be celebrated at a reception held during NJSBA Workshop 2019 in Atlantic City.
