The landscape is everything you can see when you look across an area of land, a “learnscape” is so much more! Every component of an environment isn’t aesthetics, but rather an instructional tool.
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Sustainability and Global Stewardship.
Dedication:
Howell Middle School South
220 Ramtown-Greenville Road
Howell, New Jersey 07731
June 6th, 2022
11:45 AM
In 2019, Howell Middle School South was awarded a Sustainable Jersey for Schools grant for 10K titled, “Feeding Howell’s Minds and Bodies.” Unlike other outdoor classrooms and school gardens, this grant seeks to create community partnerships and promote global stewardship.
“It is essential that we all become participants in our community; sustainability involves life-long lessons in global collaboration that begin with our students as the seeds of change,” said Josh Langenberger, science teacher at Howell Middle School South and grant coordinator.
This grant establishes a community connection between Howell Middle School South students, Howell’s Organic Community Garden and the food pantry in a “seed to table” transition. The student’s role is to participate in the growth of seedlings that are then donated to the community garden as part of the, “Plant a Row to Feed the Hungry” National Program. The community garden will nurture the seedlings into productive plants, harvest and donate vegetables to six different food pantries throughout the community, providing fresh, nutrient-dense produce to our residents in a climate of diminishing resources. Andy Vales, Community Garden Coordinator said, “It all starts, because someone planted a seed.” Some of those seeds are now being planted by Howell Middle School South students and will help the community garden to exceed last year’s donation of nearly 3,000 lbs. of fresh produce.
“The actions of one make a difference, but the actions of many make it sustainable,” said Mr. Langenberger.
The nature of this created “learnscape” encourages global stewardship with support from our school’s Eco-Action club, directed by Steve Milkowski, social studies teacher. Danielle Gianelos is a science teacher and continuity expert ensuring global stewardship opportunities grow with our students. Mike Moorman, technology education teacher, general contractor and project engineer, transforms our physical “learnscape” into reality and finally, a special thanks to the Howell Board of Education, Middle School South building administration, staff and community members that have contributed in a variety of capacities to support the growth and the continued expansion our “learnscape.” “It is amazing to observe our students building a generational legacy of global stewardship; a critical role in our school and our community. Accomplishments such as this don’t happen by accident, we have advanced this work due to the outstanding leadership at Middle School South and so many fine educators that supported this vision and our students,” said Howell Township Public Schools Superintendent, Joseph Isola.
Sustainable Jersey for Schools supports New Jersey public schools and districts awarding grants funded by the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). Through 2022, the NJEA has provided $1.75 million to support a sustainable future for children across the state through the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program. “This is an important program that directs resources into our schools and NJEA is proud to continue to work with Sustainable Jersey,” said NJEA President Sean Spiller. “When our students can learn, at an early age, that sustainable and healthy practices often go “hand in hand” with economic efficiencies, we all benefit from the positive changes. It is our job to help create a new generation of engaged citizens and leaders. We help ensure that we leave a better world for our students when we emphasize the value of sustainability.”
In addition to the grant funding, NJEA supports Sustainable Jersey for Schools as a program underwriter. “Sustainable Jersey is proud to support the work of each of these schools and school districts and to recognize the dedication of every applicant,” said Sustainable Jersey Executive Director Randall Solomon. “These creative projects are exceptional and will serve to accelerate school-centered sustainability programs as we head into a pivotal decade for climate action and sustainability in our state.” Proposals are judged by an independent Blue-Ribbon Selection Committee.