JACKSON – The township school district has a long history of being energy conscious. That reputation has just received some additional reinforcement with a local school winning a prestigious designation.
The Switlik Elementary School was named one of two New Jersey Schools that was named a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School.
This award honors schools, school districts, and postsecondary institutions for reducing environmental impact and costs, improving health and wellness and offering effective sustainability education.
The U.S. Department of Education released the names on April 22 for the 2021 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability Awardees, and Postsecondary Sustainability Awardees.
Along with the Switlik Elementary School, the Winslow Township Middle School in Atco was also named a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School.
Across the country, 27 schools, three early learning centers, five districts, and five postsecondary institutions are being honored for their efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said, “the pandemic has driven home the vital importance of school buildings and grounds; health and wellness; and hands-on authentic learning.,”
“I congratulate the selected schools, districts, and postsecondary institutions, which are, through their sustainability practices, offering healthy, safe, efficient school environments and protecting our planet,” Cardona added.
He said, “not surprisingly, many of our honorees support students in underserved communities, proving once again that green schools’ practices, encompassing best practices school operations, health, and environmental learning, are critical tools to advance equity.”
The honorees were named from a pool of candidates nominated by 20 states. The selectees include 24 public schools – among them, five charter schools and one magnet school – as well as three nonpublic schools.
