The Westfield Public School District and Town of Westfield are recipients of the 2024 Green Team Collaboration Award from Sustainable Jersey for Schools. This award recognizes the efforts of school and municipal green teams in creating and promoting sustainable practices in the schools and community.
The Westfield Green Team and district Green Team were recognized for their joint educational initiatives, including:
launching a food composting program at Jefferson Elementary School,
environmental field studies for Westfield High School science students,
planning, planting, and maintaining school gardens,
the design and future development of a bike oasis at the high school, inspired by two similar structures in downtown Westfield.
“We are honored to have received this award alongside the Westfield Green Team. Westfield is an outstanding community to live and learn in,” says Westfield Public Schools Green Team Chairperson and K-12 Science Supervisor Tom Paterson. “Our strength lies in our people and the support we give each other. The schools and the town exemplify this partnership.”
“The Town of Westfield is proud to advance its commitment to sustainability through these initiatives,” says Westfield Town Administrator Jim Gildea. “We thank the Westfield Public Schools Green Team and Town of Westfield Green Team for their work to implement these important improvements to benefit district students and the community at large.”
During an October 23 ceremony, members of the district administration and Board of Education accepted the award, highlighted by a video showcasing the collaborative efforts. The video is posted on the district YouTube Channel at www.westfieldnjk12.org.
Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a certification program for public schools in New Jersey. It was launched by Sustainable Jersey, an organization that provides tools, training and financial incentives to support and reward municipalities and schools as they pursue sustainability programs. To date, 1,191 schools are participating in the program.