3 Princeton Schools Win Sustainable Jersey Grants To Advance Green Initiatives

PRINCETON, NJ - Three schools from Princeton School District schools were awarded a $2,000 Sustainable Jersey for Schools grant funded by the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA).

Community Park Elementary School, Littlebrook Elementary School, and Princeton Middle School received the grant.

A total of 13 $10,000 grants and 27 $2,000 grants were distributed, which will support a range of sustainability initiatives, including outdoor gardens and classrooms; composting, waste reduction, and recycling programs; student health and wellness; inclusive, diverse and equitable school environments; biodiversity projects and student safety.

Community Park Elementary School’s sustainability initiative focuses on transitioning away from disposable service ware in its cafeteria. The grant will help the school purchase a full set of cutlery and the supplies needed to collect and sanitize the utensils.

"We are grateful for the grant and the ability to take this important step towards sustainability at Community Park Elementary School. This grant will help us replace disposable service ware with reusable, reducing waste while teaching our students the value of sustainability," said Dineen Gruchacz, Principal.

Littlebrook Elementary School’s sustainability focus is on expanding their transition to reusable wares. The grant will help the school purchase additional sets of classroom service ware for events and parties, replenish silverware in the cafeteria, and replace ketchup packets with ketchup dispensers.

Princeton Middle School’s sustainability initiative focuses on vermicomposting and gardening. The grant monies will be used to build a worm composting center and four grow boxes. "We are thrilled to expand our hands-on sustainability initiatives with this grant. These resources will empower students to design, build, and maintain a new composting system, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship,” said Jason Burr, Principal.

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