Cape May County High School's butterfly garden is part of the district's sustainability initiatives. (Photo provided)
The Cape May County Special Services School District (CMCSSSD) is being recognized as a statewide leader in sustainability by Sustainable Jersey for Schools.
Both of the district's schools have received Bronze Certification, which means they have made a commitment to sustainability and have succeeded in implementing significant steps toward this commitment.
In addition, the district has been awarded a $10,000 grant to expand its outdoor learning opportunities.
Ocean Academy and Cape May County High School were two out of 176 schools that achieved Bronze Certification this year that are recognized for providing exceptional learning opportunities for their students while modeling best practices for districts statewide.
Schools that received the Bronze Certification were required to implement a green team, which is a group of staff members who lead and coordinate sustainability activities. Requirements also include documented progress in multiple areas – from waste reduction and energy efficiency to instructional practices and community partnerships.
Cape May County High School was selected as one of six schools to earn a $10,000 Sustainable Jersey Grant. The funding will be used to transform the school’s butterfly garden into an accessible outdoor learning space, focused on native plantings, environmental literacy, and cross-curricular engagement with sustainability.
“Sustainability is both an educational commitment and a community value for our district and we are proud that both of our schools have earned Bronze Certification for our efforts,” Superintendent of Schools Jamie Moscony said in a news release.
“The Sustainable Jersey Grant will allow us to create an inspiring, hands-on space where students can explore, discover, and connect learning to the natural world,” Moscony added.
The schools will be honored at the 2025 Sustainable Jersey for Schools Awards Ceremony, held during the New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop on Tuesday, Oct. 21, in Atlantic City.
Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a nonprofit program that provides tools, training, and financial incentives to support and reward schools as they pursue sustainability programs that lead to cost savings, healthier schools, and a brighter future for students and communities.
Cape May County Special Services School District provides specialized educational programs, therapies, and supports tailored to the unique learning needs of students. Through collaborative partnerships and innovative instruction, the district creates safe, inclusive, and engaging environments that prepare students for lifelong success, the release said.
