School District's Outdoor Environmental Program To Continue

The school district’s outdoor environmental program for elementary students will continue next year thanks to a new partnership with the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC).

Students will be offered many of the same programs available through the NJMC with an enhanced focus on hands-on, in-class instruction. First through fourth graders participate in the program.

The program is designed to deepen and broaden experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by using the natural environment as the unifying theme across all subjects.

A team of instructors and student assistants from Ramapo College will run the program. The team also conducts courses at NJMC’s headquarters.

Fourth graders already go to the Meadowlands for educational programs there.

The board voted to eliminate the program when it approved the district’s budget this year. Several people spoke out in disagreement with the decision.

“From the moment I arrived in Wayne there were culturally significant traditions and experiences in the school district, they encapsulate what the Wayne School District is,” said Superintendent Ray Gonzalez. “The outdoor environmental program is one of those traditions.”

Under the program, activities such as Incredible Insects and Water Watchers will continue.

“It’s crucial our youngest learn about the environment immediately around them and a partnership with the commission would be a compelling way to reinvigorate that aspect of their education,” Gonzalez said.

Funding for the program will be based on a reallocation of previously budgeted funds. This is based on various end-of-the-year cost savings.

“I’m confidant that we will allocate resources to not only put the program back into place and sustain it,” Gonzalez said.

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