Seth Boyden PTA members receive the $10,000 Sustainable Jersey/NJEA Grant
Three South Orange-Maplewood School District schools have received thousands of dollars in grants from the Sustainable Jersey program.
On December 3, Maplewood Middle School, Tuscan Elementary School and Seth Boyden Demonstration School were awarded grants in the amounts of $2,000, $2,000 and $10,000, respectively.
Seth Boyden’s $10,000 grant will go toward its Nature Story Trails and Habitat Garden, helping the school develop a habitat “where students come face to face with the native plants and animals of New Jersey.” The school will also use the grant to “create Nature Story Trails where specific plants will be installed along mulched pathways, with signage, to connect wildlife and vegetation into a tangible and fun learning experience. Trails will introduce students to the plants and animals that share the neighborhood with them, and teach them what they need to do to preserve them.”
Maplewood Middle School leadership accepts grant from Sustainable Jersey/NJEA. December 3, 2015.
Maplewood Middle School’s $2,000 grant is for “Building Relationships Through Mentoring.”
Tuscan School’s $2,000 grant is for the Eco Lawn Rehab Demonstration Project and Garden.
Sustainable Jersey for Schools announced the three grants — along with 43 other for schools throughout New Jersey. The grants are funded by the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). Eleven $10,000 grants and 35 $2,000 grants were distributed to fund a variety of projects including rain gardens, outdoor learning classrooms, a winter greenhouse, an aquaponics system, native habitat gardens, sustainability curricula and more.
“NJEA is proud to work with Sustainable Jersey on this important program that directs resources into our schools,” said NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Sean Spiller. “It is our job to help create a new generation of engaged citizens and leaders. By emphasizing the value of sustainability, we also help ensure that we leave a better world for our students.”
Earlier this year, Sustainable Jersey formed an underwriting partnership with NJEA. In addition to funding this cycle of the grant program, NJEA provides in-kind support through research and technical expertise. NJEA’s leadership and members serve on Sustainable Jersey task forces and over 137 districts and 328 schools are currently participating in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program.
“We know that schools and districts are in the best position to determine the needs for their schools,” said Donna Drewes, who co-directs Sustainable Jersey with Randall Solomon. “These NJEA-funded grants will allow school communities to come together to improve outcomes for students, teachers and the environment. Collaboration is key, and we are proud to have support from important strategic partners like NJEA.”
Proposals were judged by an independent Blue Ribbon Selection Committee. The Sustainable Jersey for Schools grants are intended to help school districts and schools make progress toward a sustainable future in general, and specifically toward Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification.
