FHS 3rd Green Fair Celebrates New Outdoor Learning Center

Written by Renee Tessier

The 3rd Annual FHS Green Fair was on Saturday, May 3rd, and what an amazing sight to see it was. The Green Fair is an annual event in which various clubs and organizations gather to celebrate the Earth and the environment.

The new and improved courtyard, the Outdoor Learning Center, had a wonderful grand opening that was celebrated by an abundance of FHS staff and faculty, including our new principal, Ms. Miles. The Outdoor Learning Center was made possible by a $10,000 grant received by Rod Brundige, one of the FHS Vice Principals, on behalf of Franklin High School’s Green Team; the grant was given by Sustainable Jersey Schools and the New Jersey Education Association. According to Brundidge, part of the grant money will be used for a variety of pieces of equipment for the outdoor learning center, including outdoor desk seating, white boards, and teachers’ benches, as well as an area for counseling and rain barrels. By receiving this grant, teachers can also attend workshops from the Somerset County Parks Commission naturalists to train them on incorporating outdoor learning into the current curriculum.

There was an abundance of electric cars and adorable animals. There were also a variety of FHS clubs and community organizations with presentations that entertained guests while educating others on how to keep the environment clean. Winners from the Green Fair Poetry contest were announced, with winners coming from a variety of schools around the community.