Toms River Schools Receive $12,000 In Sustainable Jersey Grants

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Two schools in the Toms River Regional School District have been awarded grants from Sustainable Jersey for classroom initiatives that include studying biological ways to control mosquitoes.

Toms River South was awarded a $10,000 grant, and a $2,000 grant was awarded to Toms River Intermediate East according to the announcement from Sustainable Jersey for Schools.

The grant to Toms River South — one of 11 schools to receive $10,000 grants — will be used to allow the school to partner with the Bordenstein Lab at Vanderbilt University and allow a group of rising 11th- and 12th-grade Authentic Science Research students the opportunity to participate in the Wolbachia Summer Research Project. The project is a local and international initiative to contribute to the national Wolbachia database and to teach high school students about managing mosquito populations using techniques that use molecular and microbiology, according to the announcement.

The lab will provide online technical assistance and research materials to the school, the announcement said.

"The Toms River Regional School Authentic Science Research (ASR) program encourages the spirit of discovery through hands-on learning using the scientific method," said James Ricotta Jr., principal at Toms River South. "The grant will provide teacher training, equipment purchasing and allow the underclassmen in ASR to collect and analyze data from the Wolbachia Summer Research Project. The Wolbachia Summer Research Project will help students begin to establish the local frequency of the parasitic bacteria Wolbachia in our insect population, and increase career readiness in a lab setting."

"This research could provide a sustainable means of managing mosquito population through biological pest control that could eventually contribute to a decline in New Jersey mosquito populations and the spread of Dengue and Zika viruses," the Sustainable Jersey announcement said.

The grant to Toms River Intermediate East, for $2,000, is for the school to update its greenhouse with a heater, more planter boxes and irrigation supplies to ensure that more students can participate in educational opportunities year-round, the announcement said. The fruits and vegetables harvested will be used in the school's cafeteria and cooking classes.

“The Sustainable Jersey for Schools grant will provide us with everything we need to get our school garden started in the greenhouse of the outdoor learning center early this spring," said Bryan Madigan, principal at Toms River Intermediate East. "This grant will give us the opportunity to involve a wide variety of classes addressing different subject matter to be involved in the process of setting up, planting, monitoring, and harvesting the food crop that will then be used in our school’s cafeteria, cooking classes as well as donated to the local food pantry. We look forward to utilizing the greenhouse and garden both during class time to enhance curriculum, as well as for an after-school gardening club that will include members of our community."

"Many of our teachers have expressed an interest in incorporating this valuable resource into their lessons, and I think it will be wonderful for the students of our school to see the process provide fresh produce for everyone to enjoy," Madigan said.

"To have two of our schools earn Sustainable Jersey for Schools grants during this cycle is a testament to our district’s commitment to student-centered education and a sustainable future," Toms River Superintendent David Healy said. "The greenhouse and garden project at Intermediate East and the Wolbachia Summer Research Project at High School South represent two diverse, innovative, and engaging initiatives that will have a lasting impact on our students."

"We are grateful to Sustainable Jersey, NJEA, and the regional partners that make outstanding opportunities like this possible," Healy said.

The Sustainable Jersey for Schools grants were funded by the New Jersey Education Association, part of $750,000 the NJEA has provided for 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," NJEA Vice President Sean Spiller said. "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.

"Congratulations to the grant recipients. Sustainable Jersey for Schools aims to empower schools with the funding needed to implement important sustainability actions," said Randall Solomon, executive director for Sustainable Jersey. "We look forward to the completion of these projects and the ongoing efforts of these schools and school districts. The NJEA-funded grants allow communities to come together to improve outcomes for students, staff and the environment."

Proposals were judged by an independent committee, the announcement said.

Photo via Toms River Regional School District