$10K Grant Awarded For Toms River North Courtyard Classroom

Toms River NJ

13 May, 2022

5:31 AM

Description

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River High School North has been awarded a $10,000 grant by Sustainable Jersey for schools to transform the school's courtyard into an outdoor classroom. The OurSpace Courtyard, a student-driven project, will turn the courtyard into a space for students to cultivate and exhibit their design and life skills, promote art and inclusivity, and take a mental health break from the rigors of the school day, the district said. An old greenhouse will be repurposed into a seating area and a butterfly and sensory garden will be constructed. The school's Arts Academy will be responsible for the creative design of the space which will include murals and a sculpture garden. Sustainable Jersey for Schools awarded 16 grants of $10,000 and 10 of $2,000 to projects across the state; they are funded by the New Jersey Education Association. "I'm very much looking forward to seeing where our students take this new courtyard, and how their work will inspire others," Superintendent Mike Citta said. "It's remarkable how our schools are able to forge and retain their identities while also being inspired by projects that meet our collective mission." This is the second $10,000 grant the district has received for a Sustainable Jersey-supported outdoor space at Toms River North. The district also received one in 2018 for a bio-diverse outdoor classroom with a stage called Setting the Stage for Outdoor Learning. "I am proud of how our dedicated staff members tend to build — literally and figuratively — off each other's ideas, and grateful to Sustainable Jersey for Schools and the NJEA for recognizing and supporting this collective innovation," Toms River North Principal Ed Keller said. "Our school is better off because of this grant, our students are better served, and there's a sense of excitement about where our students will take this." NJEA has provided $1.75 million to support a sustainable future for children across the state through the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program. "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," NJEA 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." "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." The proposals were judged by an independent committee.