Chatham Elementary School Scores Prestigious Certification

CHATHAM, NJ—Milton Avenue Elementary was one of just nine schools in Morris County to earn a 2020 Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification this month.

Sustainable Jersey For Schools is a nonprofit organization supports and rewards schools as they pursue environmentally-friendly, sustainable programs. The certifications are awarded yearly.

"It's a great representation of how all members of our learning community work together to address topics related to sustainability in our environment," said Nicholas Andreazza, principal of Milton Avenue Elementary.

The school received a bronze certification, which denotes that it completed at least one mandatory action, two priority actions, and other actions that total 150 points in at least six different categories.

Some of these actions included more efficient energy tracking in buildings, promoting healthy food choices and locally-grown foods, and conducting School Culture and Climate Needs Assessment surveys, Andreazza said. The school also began a Green Team consisting of staff members from the school and district level that meets four times per year.

Despite the certification, Andreazza said the school is not done working toward sustainability and green initiatives. He also praised the school community for working together as a team to earn the certification.

"The actions that were approved have involved student, teacher, and parent participation on a number of different levels," the principal said. "This recognition would not have been possible without the efforts of our entire team."