Three schools in the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District have met the requirements to achieve Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification.
The local schools are among 147 schools that achieved Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification in 2020. Taylor Mills School, Wemrock Brook School and Pine Brook School have achieved the certification, according to a press release from the school district.
“I want to commend the principals of these three schools, Kerry Marsala, Rebecca Seery and Julie Szustowicz who, while addressing the district closure due to COVID-19, completed the application process and obtained Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification,” Superintendent of Schools John J. Marciante Jr. said.
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, according to the press release.
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, six schools achieved certification at the more advanced silver level which requires a minimum of 350 points of sustainability actions, according to the press release.
Currently, a total of 969 schools and 352 school districts are participating in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program.
“We were not sure what to expect after this difficult year, but the response has been inspiring. We have seen an increase in the number of certified schools since last year,” said Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey.
“I commend the teachers, administrators, staff, parents and students for their commitment and vision for the future. Becoming certified with Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a significant achievement and these schools are leading the way to a more sustainable New Jersey, right when we need it the most,” Solomon said.
The Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District is a K-8 district with eight schools and an enrollment of approximately 5,000 students, according to the press release.
