$10K Grant Awarded To Adelphia School in Howell

HOWELL, N.J.— The Adelphia School plans to "roar and explore" through nature. It is among 26 New Jersey public schools and districts selected to receive Sustainable Jersey for Schools grants. The grants are funded by the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA).

Adelphia School received a $10,00 grant for a Roar and Explore Outdoor Classroom. According to a statement from the program, the school will create an outdoor classroom that is inclusive to all students, regardless of ability.

The classroom well be designed to foster social and emotional learning and provide hands-on sustainability education. The goal of the project is to deepen students’ connection to nature while encouraging play.

Sixteen $10,000 grants and 10 $2,000 grants were distributed to support a variety of projects, including aquaponics systems, outdoor classrooms, pollinator and edible gardens, water bottle refilling stations, tree planting, food waste and composting initiatives, mindfulness programs, student green team capacity building and more.

Adelphia Principal Danielle Palazzolo explained the importance of the grant in a statement from the grants program:

“Adelphia is a kindergarten through second-grade school that believes individuals should have equal access to inclusive learning environments. As a recognized Title I school, Adelphia serves many socioeconomically disadvantaged students and a high percentage of English Language Learners.

"The outdoor classroom will provide an environment that enriches behaviors that support learning, fosters social and emotional learning and the well-being of both students and staff, while closing achievement gaps. The outdoor classroom will provide students with a wide variety of hands-on learning experiences. Unstructured play will enhance children's confidence, problem solving, independence, social interaction skills, and creativity,” she said.

With this contribution NJEA has provided $1.75 million to support a sustainable future for children across the state through the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program.

“This is an important program that directs resources into our schools and NJEA is proud to continue to work with Sustainable Jersey,” said NJEA President Sean Spiller. “When our students can learn, at an early age, that sustainable and healthy practices often go 'hand in hand' with economic efficiencies, we all benefit from the positive changes. It is our job to help create a new generation of engaged citizens and leaders. We help ensure that we leave a better world for our students when we emphasize the value of sustainability.”

In addition to the grant funding, NJEA supports Sustainable Jersey for Schools as a program underwriter.

“Sustainable Jersey is proud to support the work of each of these schools and school districts and to recognize the dedication of every applicant,” said Sustainable Jersey Executive Director Randall Solomon. “These creative projects are exceptional and will serve to accelerate school-centered sustainability programs as we head into a pivotal decade for climate action and sustainability in our state.” Proposals were judged by an independent Blue-Ribbon Selection Committee.

Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a certification program for public schools in New Jersey. It was launched by Sustainable Jersey, an organization that provides tools, training and financial incentives to support and reward municipalities and schools as they pursue sustainability programs. To date, 1,050 schools are participating in the program. Sustainable Jersey for Schools has awarded over $2.6 million in grants to schools and school districts.

Sustainable Jersey for Schools is underwritten by the New Jersey School Boards Association, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Clean Energy Program, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, the PSEG Foundation and the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA).

The 2022 Sustainable Jersey for Schools Grants Program is underwritten by the PSEG Foundation, NJEA and the Gardinier Environmental Fund. Platinum and founding sponsors are PSEG, South Jersey Gas and New Jersey Natural Gas. The gold sponsors are Solar Landscape and NJM Insurance Group (founding sponsor). The silver sponsor is Investors Bank. The bronze sponsors are Gabel Associates, Maschio’s Food Service Inc. and RMC Energy Services.