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.”
The OurSpace Courtyard is the vision of HSN teacher Jenny Neuhoff, who developed and submitted the application. Neuhoff, who teaches interior design, developed a multi-faceted and cross-curricular proposal.
“My students have been focusing on social-emotional health, and have been desperately seeking a space where they can connect with peers, de-stress, and get a few moments of Zen during their day,” Neuhoff said. “This project will allow them to develop their life skills in the classroom-- measuring, planning, and designing-- while using their interior and exterior artistic creativity, and ultimately creating that Zen space for themselves and future generations of students.”
The idea was not only inspired by the school’s SSOL project, but also Intermediate South’s new grant-funded courtyard, which also seeks to promote mental health and which has beautified the school and impacted students and staff members alike. From a CTE standpoint, students need look no further for additional inspiration than across town at High School South, which hosts Project SPEAR-IT, another grant-funded initiative where students drive the program.
“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,” said Superintendent Mike Citta. “I’m very much looking forward to seeing where our students take this new courtyard, and how their work will inspire others. Thank you, Sustainable Jersey for Schools and NJEA, for this opportunity.”
Toms River Education Association President Scott Campbell endorsed the project proposal, which seeks to partner with the district’s special services department, Green Team, Arts Academy, and Ocean County-based PaverArt and New Design Landscaping. Among the OurSpace Courtyard’s objectives:
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Repurpose the greenhouse to a sheltered seating area with a stained-glass style roof.
- Install a butterfly garden to attract local pollinators.
- Install a paver patio with engraved bricks to enhance the sustainability of the garden and its upkeep (anyone interested in donating a brick to support this effort can learn more here).
- Install a sensory garden featuring windchimes, a solar-powered water feature, and other elements in collaboration with students receiving special services.
- Work alongside Arts Academy students to paint murals along the building walls of the courtyard and install a sculpture garden.
The grant period is 18 months, but the project was underway even before the proposal was submitted, as Neuhoff’s interior design students had already taken measurements, brianstormed ideas, and submitted sketched blueprint plans for a vote among all classes.