At Whiting School, the school garden has become much more than a planting space. It is an authentic outdoor classroom where students learn, explore, and connect with the environment in meaningful ways.
Through the school-wide gardening program led by staff member Stephanie Boyd, students completed a series of environmental Learning Actions and put their knowledge into practice through a hands-on environmental project. As a result of these collective efforts, Whiting School has officially earned certification through the Jersey-Friendly School Yards program. Sponsored by the Barnegat Bay Partnership, the initiative promotes practices that help protect clean water for drinking, swimming, and fishing, while also supporting healthy soil for gardening and creating essential habitats for wildlife.
By engaging students and the entire school community in planning, designing, and creating a Jersey-Friendly Schoolyard, students gained valuable real-world experience in environmental responsibility and sustainability.
A special thank you goes to Stephanie Boyd for her passion, dedication, and continued advocacy for the growth of the garden program. Stephanie has consistently championed the efforts needed to enhance the garden and ensure students receive the full educational benefits it offers. Her commitment has helped transform the space into a hands-on learning experience that supports curiosity, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.
We would also like to thank all staff, students, families, and volunteers who participated in last week’s Garden Day at Whiting School. The enthusiasm and teamwork displayed by the school community demonstrated just how important this garden has become to everyone involved. Together, the Whiting School community is helping cultivate not only a beautiful garden, but also a stronger, greener future for its students and families.