'Sustainability' Efforts Earn 7 Ridgewood Schools Bronze-Level Status

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Seven Ridgewood Schools earned "Sustainable Jersey for Schools" bronze certification for demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, and join a group of 158 New Jersey schools certified this year, program manager Rosalie Morillo said Monday.

Certification is based on a variety of factors that include access to clean water and support of liberal arts education, all of which span the three pillars of people, planet and prosperity, Morillo said at the Ridgewood Board of Education meeting.

Sustainability actions completed by the district, including implementation of a Safe Routes to School program and support of energy efficiency services, helped earn each of the seven schools 70 points toward the minimum 150 points needed for bronze certification.

Morillo presented plaques to representatives from five schools that were re-certified, and to two schools certified for the first time.

Schools re-certified were Ridgewood High, with 235 points; Somerville Elementary, with 205 points; Ridge Elementary, with 185 points; Benjamin Franklin Middle, with 175 points; and Travell Elementary, with 175 points.

Schools certified for the first time were George Washington Middle, with 225 points, and Orchard Elementary, with 195 points.

"I'd like to thank the entire staff for their participation in this (program) and bringing this kind of recognition to our district," Superintendent Leonard Fitts said at the meeting. "We are very blessed and very fortunate to have this level of participation and recognition for students."