The Black Horse Pike Regional School District, which operates three high schools, has gone green in a big way: installing arrays of solar energy panels; planting an organic garden; developing active “Green Teams” and changing light fixtures – some 20,000 of them , across the three high schools – to more energy-efficient ones.
As a result, Timber Creek and Triton Regional High Schools, two of the district’s three schools, have been recognized with the national Green Ribbon Schools Award. The district is currently nurturing greater environmental stewardship at Highland High School, and sustaining efforts at Timber Creek and Triton.
Some of the green initiatives are easy for an observer to see. Approaching Timber Creek, for example, one passes the solar array. The school’s organic garden, designed by students and staff, has raised beds made from the untreated, re-purposed wood from the solar panel shipping boxes. A welcoming patio entranceway leads to the garden, and a solar-powered small electric pump distributes water from a rain collection container.
Other efforts are more behind-the-scenes. The district provides professional development focused on ways the staff can contribute to a more environmentally-friendly school community. “Water Walks” raised money to build a well in Swaziland, Africa, and a “Seed Bank” shares seeds with faculty, staff and students. The district also has active Green Teams helping to further the board and district goal of nurturing environmentally-conscious practices. And, last year the district received a $10,000 grant from Sustainable Jersey for Schools for its wellness efforts.
Information
Online:www.bhprsd.org
Contact: Dr. Brian Repici, superintendent of schools, [email protected]
Received the 2015 National and New Jersey Green Ribbon Schools Award.