JVJ Academy

August 2026

Images of pumpkins, tomatoes, fig tree growth, etc.

JVJ STEM Academy

Progress Pictures from June and July

Images of growth: pumpkins, tomatoes, strawberries, etc.

Jerome Dunn Academy School No. 9

Plantings May through July

Tomato plants, peppers, and zinnias.

John Marshall School No. 20

Green Today, Better Tomorrow

We had a large group of students attend this tree planting! We were so happy to see these students come out to learn more about their apple tree!

Ashley from Groundworks Elizabeth explained to the students how apple trees can range from small, which is about 2-3 meters tall, to a large tree, which range over 10 meters tall! She also mentioned a healthy and mature apple tree can produce hundreds of apples in a year!

Thank you again for having the students come out for Groundworks Elizabeth wonderful presentation 😊

Terence C. Reilly School No. 7

Roots for the Future

Welcome back to another tree planting! On the County’s continuous journey to different locations, we are beyond excited to visit the teachers and students at Terence C. Reilly!

This year, the students were awarded a Cherry tree🍒. Here is a fun fact that the students learned today:

There are two main types of cherries: sweet cherries, which are normally eaten fresh, and tart cherries, which are often used in pies, juices, and preserves. Cherries are also rich in vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants.

Shoutout to Ashley and Stephanie for the wonderful work that they do😊!

Peterstown Community Center

The Gift that Keeps Growing

We are so excited for the apple tree that has been planted for Peterstown Community Center!

Apple trees can live for fifty to one-hundred years or more when well cared for. The young trees will need regular care, including watering and monitoring, to help them grow strong and healthy. We look forward to watching them flourish over the years, serving as a lasting reminder of what can be accomplished when a community works together toward a common goal! 

Prevention Links

Elizabethport Community Center

One of several Prevention Links locations! This community came together for a meaningful tree planting event, demonstrating how small actions can make a lasting difference. This event was more than just planting trees – it was about building connections within the community space.

Awarded an Apple tree, this wonderful group of people worked together to share knowledge, encourage one another and celebrate their collective effort to care for the environment!

Dr. Albert Einstein Academy School No. 29

Einstein’s Outdoor Classroom

Dr. Albert Einstein students were able to learn about why trees are so important. They provide shade, produce oxygen, create habitats for wildlife, and help keep our environment clean!

This year, the students were awarded Cherry trees! Did you know that it can take a cherry tree three to seven years to produce a significant harvest after planting? Most cherries are harvested during late spring and early summer, depending on the climate they are in. We are very excited to see how this cherry tree will grow!

Donald Stewart Center School No. 51

Cleaning the Garden before Planting

As we approached the end of the winter months, our teachers and students began preparing the school garden for the upcoming growing season. Even with the colder weather, our school community stayed committed to caring for our outdoor learning space. Students helped clear leaves, remove debris, refresh the soil, and tidy up the raised beds to ensure everything was ready for spring planting.
This early season cleanup gave students hands on experience with garden maintenance while reinforcing teamwork, responsibility, and environmental stewardship. Teachers guided students through identifying winter damage, turning the soil, and learning why preparation is essential for a healthy garden.

Donald Stewart Center School No. 51

Planting Day with Commissioner Stanley J. Neron

We are excited to share that during the 2025–2026 school year, our school has expanded our existing vegetable garden thanks to the 2025 Kids Dig In Grant. In partnership with Groundwork Elizabeth and the Union County Board of Commissioners, we added a new raised planting bed along with soil, seeds, tools, and additional materials provided through Groundwork Elizabeth’s garden program.
Our students worked alongside Groundwork Elizabeth staff and Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron on planting day, actively participating in growing fresh vegetables. We are proud to continue donating a portion of our harvest to the community, strengthening our connection and giving back to those around us.
Our garden continues to enhance our school environment while providing hands-on learning experiences that promote teamwork, environmental responsibility, and healthy habits. We look forward to another successful growing season and sharing our harvest with the community.