Chatham Elementary School Certified As Sustainable

CHATHAM, NJ — Lafayette Elementary School has been awarded the Sustainable Jersey certification, the first school in the Chathams to earn it.

The certification is given to schools or districts that show their commitment to sustainability and "going green." It's awarded by the Sustainability Institute at the College of New Jersey.

Lafayette was awarded the certification on Aug. 17, and is a bronze certified member. Schools are designated bronze or silver based on how many points they've earned for completing green initiatives.

The school was recognized for their I-STEAM program, which teaches children how to create sustainable projects, promoting locally grown food, and having a school garden, among other accomplishments.

So far, 194 schools have been certified in New Jersey, with 13 of those reaching the silver level. No other Chatham schools have been certified yet, but Superintendent Michael LaSusa said at Monday night's Board of Education meeting there has been an ongoing effort to have all schools become certified.

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