3 Ridgewood Schools Get $2,000 Grants For Sustainability Projects

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Three Ridgewood school buildings have been awarded $2,000 project grants from Sustainable Jersey for Schools.

The grants are funded by the New Jersey Education Association. In total, 26 public schools or districts in the Garden State got either a $10,000 grant or a $2,000 grant, according to a news release.

Ridgewood High School's grant is for their Student-Led Tree Planting Initiative. Somerville Elementary School got money for its Promoting Sustainability In The Community program. And, Travell Elementary School will use the money for butterfly garden rehabilitation.

Somerville principal Dr. Lorna Oates-Santos and Travell principal Brian Ross both gave statements on how the money will be used.

"Sustainable Jersey for Schools grant funds have been put to great use already at Somerville School," Oates-Santos said. "Our garden received a wonderful upgrade, and we just planted a new shade tree in the kindergarten playground to keep providing healthy fresh air and comfort to our students. The next step in our ongoing work is to upgrade our recycling program in the cafeteria through better signage and bins. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to further enhance sustainability practices into our school and to engage students in activities and actions that will help protect our precious environment now and for future generations.”

"The students, staff, administration, HSA, and Green Team of Travell Elementary School are thrilled and honored to receive a grant from Sustainable Jersey," Ross said. "The project to improve Travell's butterfly garden is a much-needed improvement to a much-loved area of our grounds. Our Green Team's plan includes a new sensory walk and new flowers to surround the existing seating and picnic table. Our hope is that this revitalized area will provide a space for small group instruction and quiet contemplation. We are all so appreciative of our Green Team and our larger school community's commitment to this initiative.”