The Hamilton Township School District has been honored with a 2024 New Jersey School Boards Association School Leader Award for its innovative rain garden project at Alexander Elementary School.
The school was one of only four awardees in the state. The garden, developed through a school-wide initiative, showcases native plants and integrates environmental education into students’ daily lives.
The project, led by special education teacher Ra Nae Camilleri and kindergarten teacher Michelle Goliszewski, was funded through a grant from the Hamilton Education Foundation.
The educators aimed to create an outdoor learning space, encouraging students to learn in a natural, low-stress environment. The garden was developed with help from Rutgers Cooperative Extension, The Watershed Institute, and the New Jersey Audubon Society.
“The Alexander community is extremely proud that we received this honor,” said Alexander Elementary Principal Joe Bookholdt. He credited Camilleri, Goliszewski, and parent Elaine Griffin for their dedication in bringing the garden to life.
Alexander Elementary’s rain garden is the third in the Hamilton Township School District and the fifth in the township overall. Through partnerships with The Watershed Institute and New Jersey Audubon Society’s EcoSchools program, the garden not only helps manage water runoff and reduce pollutants but also provides habitat for pollinators like insects, birds and butterflies.
Upper-grade students planted vegetation, and kindergarten students contributed by laying down stones, while Rutgers Cooperative Extension designed and installed the garden.
The Watershed Institute supported classroom learning about environmental topics, including water quality, conservation and wildlife habitats. Earlier this year, Alexander Elementary was named a River-Friendly School by The Watershed Institute, joining just 30 other schools statewide to earn the distinction since 2010.
In September, the New Jersey Audubon Society awarded the school its prestigious Green Flag, the highest certification in the EcoSchools program, recognizing its ecological achievements.
“What started as a creative and exciting outdoor learning space for our students has become a wonderful and award winning project for the entire Alexander community,” said Superintendent Scott Rocco. “I thank the teachers for developing the project and all the students, staff, and community who made it a reality for everyone to enjoy,”
For additional details, contact Laura Geltch, HTSD’s Grants, Communication, and Sponsorship Coordinator.
Students at Alexander Elementary School show off the River Friendly Certified School banner. Pictured are: teachers Ra Nae Camilleri and Michele Goliszewski; students Violet Zodda, Julia Blandi, Ryan Walker, Josephine Sbarro, Nathalie Orosco-Mory, Ashley Foldetta and Shawn Willis; Olivia Spildooren from The Watershed Institute; and Roberta Hunter from New Jersey Audubon. ,
