Thank You Sunbelt Rentals ~ Nancy

8 July 2010 - 3:08pm | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5,6 OTHER

The generous support of Sunbelt Rentals corporate offices helped REAL School Gardens complete the construction of a shade structure at T.A. Sims Elementary School in Fort Worth, Texas. We appreciate Sunbelt Rentals for joining us in our work to connect children to nature.

Daniels Elementary School blew us away with their summer wind academy ~ Jenny

8 July 2010 - 2:37pm | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5,6 SCIENCE

On June 17, Daniels Elementary School in Grand Prairie hosted a Community Wind Fair to celebrate the end of a two-week summer academy that intensively examined wind and solar energy in Texas.  Rising third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students voluntarily participated in this enrichment program, which explored alternative energy through an integrated STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) curriculum.  The academy was created by the school’s math, science and reading strategists.  Science strategist Kyle Damon attended the REAL School Gardens “Question the System: Exploring Alternative Energy in the Outdoor Classroom” workshop sponsored by Motorola Foundation.  So inspired by this professional development offering, Damon returned to his school and began planning for this summer emersion experience for his students. 

Damon remarked, “Our Summer Wind Academy was a tremendous success due in large part to the inspiration and contributions of REAL School Gardens.  We appreciate the support they have provided to our school and to the schools in the surrounding communities.  The students who participated in our wind turbine activities were challenged, and they were able to walk away with a sense of accomplishment.”

REAL School Gardens’ Regional Program Director Scott Feille was so impressed by the level of integrated curriculum facilitated by these talented educators.  Feille remarked, “This is what happens when teachers catch fire.  Daniels Elementary went above and beyond to integrate all the subject areas into a unit on wind and solar energy that engaged children in real problem solving.  This is why we educators get up in the morning – to see this kind of impact on students.”

Congratulations to the students, teachers and supportive community at Daniels Elementary School.  Great job integrating STEM and place-based education into your outdoor classroom (school garden).

(Photo Credit: Matthew Rainwater)

Our Model Partnership with Grand Prairie ~ Jenny

29 June 2010 - 2:59pm | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5,6 OTHER

At its annual conference in Austin, Keep Texas Beautiful invited REAL School Gardens, the City of Grand Prairie, Keep Grand Prairie Beautiful and Grand Prairie Independent School District to share information about its model public-private partnership. On June 23rd, Jennifer Fitzgerald (Director of Community Relations at REAL School Gardens), Tammy Chan (Special Projects Manager, City of Grand Prairie/Keep Grand Prairie Beautiful), and Karrie Goff (5th grade teacher at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School) presented "How Does Your School Garden Grow? How Partnerships Benefit Grand Prairie's Environmental Education Initiatives." Working together for only two short years, the groups have pooled their resources to benefit school gardens and environmental education programs at 17 elementary schools.

The presentation was well received by the statewide audience. Some of the lessons shared through this conference presentation included: 1) School districts and communities are stronger when public and private entities work together toward a common goal, 2) children experience a more positive impact - both personally and academically - when they dig in together with their parents, schools, and broader community and 3) the school needs to be at the center of a school garden movement in any community. Enthusiasm and attendance at the session were strong, which was not surprising as school gardens have received significant attention this year.

Our groups appreciate the opportunity to share this model partnership with a statewide audience and look forward to growing our collective efforts next year.

Congratulations, Keep Texas Beautiful award winners! ~ Jenny

25 June 2010 - 3:22pm | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5,6 OTHER

REAL School Gardens and several of our Grand Prairie school partners and teachers were honored at the 43rd annual Keep Texas Beautiful conference in Austin this week. 

• REAL School Gardens, for the second year in a row, received the 1st place Sadie Ray Graff award for a civic organization engaged in environmental education.  Keep Texas Beautiful Board Member Stan Weik applauded our efforts to create outdoor classrooms that grow happier, healthier, smarter and more environmentally-conscience young citizens.

• Sammy Wren from Sallye Moore Elementary School in Grand Prairie was the 2nd place Sadie Ray Graff award winner for an educator doing exceptional environmental education work throughout the state of Texas.  This special recognition is well-deserved for Mr. Wren, a dedicated educator who works tirelessly to provide enriched math and science opportunities for his 5th grade students, particularly in the area of earth science.

• Two out of the three elementary schools receiving statewide recognition for outstanding environmental education work incorporate their REAL school gardens into comprehensive, campus-wide environmental programs. Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Grand Prairie received the 1st place Sadie Ray Graff award, recognized for its outstanding recycling efforts and overall environment programs that include a newly installed REAL school garden. Florence Hill’s Green Team took 3rd place for the Sadie Ray Graff award in the same elementary school category.  The after-school environmental club is a model mentoring program and the group also tends to the school’s successful outdoor classroom.

Special thanks to Ms. Ruthe Jackson of Grand Prairie who underwrites a $100 cash prize for each of the first place Sadie Ray Graff educator award recipients and Ruthe Jackson youth award winners.  For a complete list of Keep Texas Beautiful award winners, visit www.ktb.org.

The Call of the Pile ~ Jonathan

20 May 2010 - 11:22am | Filed under 1,2,3,4,5 SCIENCE,OTHER,COUNSELING

A few Saturdays ago we were installing a garden at the Academy at Carrie F. Thomas in Birdville. As usual, there was a beehive of activity mostly focused on moving gravel and soil, planting, building fences and shade arbors, etc. Not everyone was helping. At the periphery of all that activity was a pile of soil - I'm guessing about 40 cubic yards - that had been excavated the previous week to make room for the garden. But let's not call it a pile of soil. Let's call it what Maria was calling it -- "a mountain". Indeed. Imagine being 4 years old like my little friend from the mountain, looking up at the peak towering above, beginning your ascent and slipping a little, catching yourself with your hands and discovering the rough texture of the North Richland Hills clay. Or maybe you can relate to one of the boys who were digging tunnels at the top of the mountain. I interview Jose and Josef -- neither of whom had ever played in the dirt before -- to give me some insight into the "call of the pile"

I asked them, "If I told you three days ago we'd have a big pile of dirt for you to play in, would you have thought?"

Josef replied, "I would have thought it was boring, but now I think it's fun."

I bluffed, "What's so fun about it? It's just a pile of dirt."

Jose shot back, "This isn't easy! We made a tunnel so the top won't fall in. At first people were playing all around and the top was falling in so we had to do it another way. Now the tunnel goes all the way through and we found a worm and a beetle too.

I continued to sit with these budding engineers as their project evolved. I observed as they discovered that not all soil is created equal. As it turns out, the orange clay is better suited for gluing together clumps. The darker clay is held together in large clods by rhizomes of Bermuda grass and is good for supporting the "bridges. Considering my own experience as a classroom teacher, both indoors and out, I know in my heart that this pile of soil is one of the very best resources for teaching these boys about problem solving, planning, and engineering. And here they are on a Saturday, answering the call of the pile. And not just for a few minutes. These boys were in the same spot for hours.

 As I got up to leave, Josef asked me, "Can we keep this pile here?"

"You can ask Principal Lindsey, but it will just get overgrown with grass."

"That's ok. Then we'll have a hill and we can dig up some more dirt."

"You know what guys? The whole world is covered with dirt. You can pretty much dig a hole any time you want."

"Cool!"

-Scott Feille

Fitzgerald's Garden Club ~ colleenporter

14 May 2010 - 10:35am | Filed under 3,4,5,6 OTHER

Fitzgerald's Garden Club received two Mayor's Green Youth Awards. The students were recognized for their environmental work. They were honored at a City Council meeting where Mayor Cluck presented them with two plaques and two checks totaling $500 dollars!! Our students, volunteers, and teachers are currently contemplating how to spend that money!

NASCAR Green ~ Jonathan

6 May 2010 - 12:32pm | Filed under OTHER

Jeanne McCarty represented REAL School Gardens at last month's Samsung 500 NASCAR Race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. Through NASCAR's Green Flag Tree Planting Program, the organization will receive trees to plant at elementary schools within the program in the North Texas region. Read More

Fundraising Event: Celebrity Bartenders ~ Jonathan

4 May 2010 - 12:48pm | Filed under OTHER

Many thanks to GRACE and Redenta's Garden for hosting for hosting a wonderful fundraising event last night for REAL School Gardens. Our celebrity bartenders Ruth, Dick, Michael and Lori Kinler concocted the perfect blend of lavender and mint for the REAL mojito.

Thanks to all who attended - your support keeps our gardens growing. We appreciate East Fort Worth Montessori's contribution of mint and other fragrant decorations. We also thank Genifer Best, Sharon Chastain, and the Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center students who created a beautiful art project with lavender for our guests.

The Fabric of Our Lives ~ Mr. V

21 April 2010 - 8:33am | Filed under PK-K,2,1,4,3,5,6 ART,COUNSELING,LANGUAGE ARTS,MATH,OTHER,SCIENCE

The principal Elda Gonzalez from R.J. Wilson Elementary School showed me a 3x5 foot quilt that was made of muslin cloth and stuffed with the cotton that was grown in the garden. The quilt was signed by several hundred students that participated and helped in the garden to grow and harvest the cotton plants and the art class created some beautiful drawings on it. Lastly, the seeds from the cotton harvest are being used to grow this year’s crop. Best recent example of the plant cycle in use and renewable resources from the Earth, both examples are TEKS based science curriculum.

I.M. Terrell Alumni ~ Scott Feille

15 April 2010 - 9:01am | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5,6 ART,LANGUAGE ARTS,COUNSELING,OTHER,MATH,SCIENCE

I can’t help but add one more entry here about the four gentlemen from the I.M. Terrell Alumni Association that built the picnic tables for the garden.  Armed with saws, drills, cedar, and crude instructions Clinton Thomas (left), James Mallard, Eddie McKinney (right), and James L. Sloan spent the day applying their carpentry skills for the benefit of the next generation of I.M. Terrell students.  “We can’t do it unless we do it together,” Mr. Sloan remarked as we discussed the progress being made.  You can say that again!

I.M. Terrell Community Garden Day ~ Scott Feille

15 April 2010 - 9:00am | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5,6 ART,LANGUAGE ARTS,COUNSELING,MATH,OTHER,SCIENCE

When I asked principal Dickerson what she thought the best part of the community garden design process was she replied simply, “The community.”  She went on to mention that multiple generations were represented from three year olds to seventy three year olds, alumni, students, volunteers from Tarrant County Juvenile Services, adopt a school partners from the local church, Chesapeake, news media, State Senator Wendy Davis, City Councilwoman Kathleen Hicks and Haily Summerford, Director of Public Engagement for Fort Worth ISD.  The entire I.M. Terrell staff was present, including custodial staff, except for one sick, one at school, and another at a wedding.  She also pointed out that there were parents helping with the garden that she hasn’t seen at school for other functions.  In fact, there were several people on site more than an hour early, filled with enthusiasm to start the day.  Interestingly enough, this is not the first time a principal has pointed out to me that there are “new” parents participating as a result of the garden.  Why?  My gut tells me it’s because the children are excited, and we all know how contagious that can be.  We also know that when children are engaged, they are motivated to learn.  That’s what learning gardens are all about.

Kings of the Garden ~ Scott Feille

15 April 2010 - 8:56am | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5,6 ART,LANGUAGE ARTS,COUNSELING,MATH,OTHER,SCIENCE

It never ceases to amaze me how much pride students take in building their gardens.  Each time I witness a small child using every ounce of concentration and strength he or she possesses on getting a wheelbarrow full of soil from one side of the garden to the other, my heart fills up.  Sappy, but true.

Take for example, these two self-declared “Kings of the Garden” who worked constantly from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon shoveling, dumping, moving, sweating.  Davion Harper (right) is a 2nd grade student at I.M. Terrell Elementary School.  His mother, Tiffany Lynch, is the 5th grade science guru at the school and his great grandmother was a student there when it was a high school.  I asked Davion why the garden was important to him and he replied, “So we can eat healthier and have lots of fruits and vegetables.”  T.J. Williams, Davion’s friend, is a 1st grade student at Fort Worth Academy.  His mother, Vanessa Williams is a 3rd grade math and science teacher at I.M. Terrell.  T.J. told me that he never worked in a garden before, but that he really liked “to use all the tools and dig in the dirt and rocks.”

So, on behalf of Davion and T.J., thanks to everyone who came out to I.M. Terrell last Saturday to help them improve their kingdom!

Community Spirit ~ Scott Feille

1 April 2010 - 9:13am | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5,6 ART,COUNSELING,LANGUAGE ARTS,MATH,OTHER,SCIENCE

One of the things I love most about my job at REAL School Gardens is getting to witness over and over again the power of community.  On Saturday, March 27, 2010 we installed a garden at Hobbs Williams Elementary School in Grand Prairie, TX.  Among those present were over 30 Boy Scouts who had convened as part of Eivan Ram’s Eagle Scout project.  As I spoke with Eivan, a student at Dubiski High School in Grand Prairie, I was overwhelmed by the community spirit.  Eivan had contacted Tammy Chan who works with the City of Grand Prairie to see if she knew of any projects.  Tammy, who has provided countless resources to develop the school gardens in the district, recommended that he do a project with REAL School Gardens.  Eivan was definitely up to the task, coordinating his scout troop, most of whom attend The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  The amount of labor provided by the troop and their leaders was invaluable for the construction of the Hobbs Williams’ garden.  I also had the opportunity to speak with Eivan’s family, and his mother, Cynthia spoke of how important the project was because he was helping to enrich younger students’ school experiences and providing them with an opportunity to “get down in the dirt and learn where their food comes from.”  This is one of many examples of how churches, scouts, cities, schools and district administrators, families and teachers come together in order to strengthen children’s connections to nature through access to rigorous outdoor learning environments.  I love my job!

Ram Family from left to right: Eivan, Dayne, Cynthia, Monil, Anil

Whole Foods Partners with REAL School Gardens for a "Green" St. Patrick's Day ~ Matt

30 March 2010 - 1:21pm | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5,6 ART,LANGUAGE ARTS,COUNSELING,MATH,OTHER,SCIENCE

REAL School Gardens was proud to partner with Whole Foods during the grand opening celebration for the company's flagship North Texas store. On Wednesday, March 17, Whole Foods chose REAL School Gardens as the recipient of its 1% Day event, a community sponsorship program through which a local nonprofit organization receives 1% of the store's sales for the day. As a part of the event, REAL School Gardens staff members Jeff Cross, Matt Hackler, Nancy Payne and Ellen Robinson shared information about our program with dozens of interested community members. We look forward to future collaborations with Whole Foods and to serving even more children in the Dallas area.

REAL People Networking Event in Dallas ~ Heather

10 March 2010 - 10:20am | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5,6 ART,COUNSELING,LANGUAGE ARTS,MATH,OTHER,SCIENCE

Alex Sanger Elementary School hosted REAL School Gardens' first REAL People Networking Event in Dallas on February 24, 2010. David Sobel, an educational innovator and leader in the field of place-based learning, discussed the benefits of outdoor learning and described some of the innovative ways schools and communities across the country are improving education through place-based educational strategies. We were delighted to welcome 187 attendees including a large cross section of the school community and the REAL School Gardens network of educators, parents, students, and community members. The students of Alex Sanger Elementary School engaged the attendees through musical performances and garden stations. With such an enthusiastic community we look forward to all that Alex Sanger will accomplish in its garden.

Alex Sanger Elementary School ~ Heather

10 February 2010 - 1:30pm | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5,6 ART,COUNSELING,LANGUAGE ARTS,MATH,OTHER,SCIENCE

Despite some rain delays and cold days, the Alex Sanger Elementary School community joined together to install their new school garden.  On Friday, January 15, more than 500 enthusiastic children dug in to prepare the soil for planting.  The children hope to learn the science of growing and to eat the fruits of their labor.  Dozens of educators and parents donated their time and talents during that school day and again on Saturday, January 30. 

A special thanks to:
• Dallas ISD and Coy Frazier for doing much of the heavy lifting so that the children could step right in and get their hands in the dirt;
• Redenta’s Garden for their generous discounts and donations of plants and planting materials;
• Living Earth for their generous discounts on mulch, rocks, crushed granite and garden materials;
• Whole Foods Lakewood for the delicious and nutritious food to fuel the volunteer labor;
• Del Norte Bakery for donating the yummy pastries and cakes to sweeten up sore muscles;
• Scott Nady, member of the ECPTA, who donated landscape experts to help lay brickwork and create the raised vegetable beds;
• Forest Hills Neigborhood Association for loaning the school community many tools and volunteer hours;
• Sutherlands Lumber for helping place very heavy tree stumps to be used as seating in the outdoor classroom, and for being so accommodating with the delivery schedule.
• PTA Officers Mark Ingraham and Jason Sellers for building the split rail fence and entry arbor; and
• Theresa O’Donnell, Katrina and Mark Moran, Kelly Kemp and many other members of the Early Childhood PTA for helping to submit the REAL School Gardens application, gaining exposure and interest from the community and for donating many volunteer hours to the project.

The Alex Sanger community worked alongside Principal Larry Allen, Garden Coordinator Marissa Muntz and other educators to create an outdoor classroom to benefit the academic and personal development of the students.  All are welcome to visit this new school garden on February 24 during Dallas’ first REAL People Networking Event.

Make It Bobble ~ jeff

8 February 2010 - 2:30pm | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5,6 ART,COUNSELING,LANGUAGE ARTS,MATH,OTHER,SCIENCE

Through the generosity of the Dallas Mavericks, the REAL School Gardens team was recently able to host the crew from the City of Grand Prairie who have helped us to install and maintain elementary school gardens within that community at a recent game. Our partners in education / co-tenants at the firehouse from Botanical Research Institute of Texas were also able to join us to see the Mavericks' win over the Golden State Warriors.

Dallas Dig In Schools ~ Heather

21 January 2010 - 2:56pm | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5,6 ART,COUNSELING,LANGUAGE ARTS,MATH,OTHER,SCIENCE

REAL School Gardens is expanding school gardens in Dallas this year. The four Dallas schools include Victor H. Hexter Elementary School, Robert E. Lee Elementary School, Alex Sanger Elementary School, and Harry C. Withers Elementary School. REAL School Gardens is excited that children and educators are getting the opportunity to connect to the outdoors by using their newly designed school garden.

All school garden installations have been a sucess due to many educators, staff, parents, students and community volunteers at these schools. A special thank you to the Dallas ISD's Director of Maintenance, Coy Frazier, and crews for helping make these school gardens a reality.

REAL People Networking Event ~ Heather

23 November 2009 - 11:25am | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5,6 ART,LANGUAGE ARTS,COUNSELING,MATH,OTHER,SCIENCE

REAL School Gardens' community members in both Dallas and Tarrant counties came together recently for two community-building extravaganzas featuring the facilitators of Drum Cafe.

On October 29, 193 people gathered at Barbara Bush Elementary School in Grand Prairie where they enjoyed choral music, garden tours, and artwork by students. Even the rain could not keep those attending from admiring the school garden.

A week later on November 5 at Alice Contreras Elementary School in Fort Worth, 183 people met for the second of our fall networking events. Attendees were excited to experience the school's redesigned garden, garden tours, and the special treat of a concert by student guitarists.

The rhythm was contagious as participants found themselves playing key roles in a powerful and inspiring drum ensemble. The events provided a new way to reflect on and celebrate our work together, and we hope to share the beat with others as we go forward in connecting children with nature.

Motorola Global Day of Service ~ Jeff

12 November 2009 - 12:01pm | Filed under PK-K,1,3,2,4,5,6 ART,COUNSELING,LANGUAGE ARTS,MATH,OTHER,SCIENCE

Natha Howell Elementary welcomed seven men and two women from Motorola on Monday, November 2 to help rejuvenate its school garden. Eight beds were weeded and dirt was hauled out to make room for the mulch. The garden beds were tilled and rock was moved to re-install along the edges of the bed. The Motorola Team worked relentlessly through the afternoon to make it happen. The weather was fantastic, the volunteers and school staff were great to work with, and the children at Natha Howell were very excited to see the transformation.  The kindergartners even provided Motorola with beautiful garden art.

TCU Leaps at Rosemont 6th ~ heather

6 November 2009 - 11:15am | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5,6 ART,COUNSELING,LANGUAGE ARTS,MATH,OTHER,SCIENCE

TCU Leaps volunteers and Rosemont 6th families helped rejuvenate their school garden on Saturday, October 24. Twenty nine people helped move two tons of rock in preparation for upcoming garden improvements. Volunteers planted Texas native plants such as silver leaf sage and purple cone flower which will enhance the garden's sustainability. REAL School Gardens would like to say a special thank you to all who organized and took part in this sucessful day.

Look what's growing at Van Zandt-Guinn Elementary ~ heather

27 October 2009 - 10:56am | Filed under PK-K,2,1,3,4,5,6 ART,COUNSELING,LANGUAGE ARTS,MATH,SCIENCE,OTHER

Van Zandt-Guinn Elementary School has gourds growing in their garden! Students and teachers have been trying to grow  gourds for 3 years, and due to their patience and persistence they now have these beautiful guords to show for their efforts.  Students are also excited about all the grub worms they are finding!

What's growing at your school? Please post a story and share so others can see all the neat plants and veggies in your garden!

Retreat ~ heather

15 October 2009 - 2:21pm | Filed under PK-K,2,1,3,4,5,6 ART,COUNSELING,LANGUAGE ARTS,MATH,OTHER,SCIENCE

Six schools are the newest members of the REAL School Gardens community. Fifty-five school staff, parents, community members, volunteers, and students came together for the REAL School Gardens Retreat event on October 2-3, 2009 at the Firestation. The schools are T.A. Sims Elementary, I.M. Terrell Elementary, and Lowery Road Elementary from Fort Worth; Hobbs Williams Elementary and Thurgood Marshall Elementary from Grand Prairie; and the Academy at Carrie F. Thomas from Birdville.

The weekend’s events began with a formal dinner followed by a Q&A session with five students who shared their experience learning in their school’s garden. One student explained, “The garden teaches you how to care for nature.” Outdoor activities and an emphasis on the community design process for installing school gardens were presented on Saturday. One educator credited the Retreat with providing inspiration: “I am very excited and ready to get down and dirty.”

TCU Volunteers ~ heather

12 October 2009 - 11:32am | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5,6 SCIENCE,OTHER,MATH,LANGUAGE ARTS,COUNSELING,ART

Texas Christian University students volunteered at REAL School Gardens to help prepare materials for upcoming REAL People Networking Events. These students were from a community action class from the Texas Christian University Center for Community Involvement & Service-Learning which provides them the opportunity to see the different needs of the community. Students learned about the mission of REAL School Gardens and were able to see the different elements of a nonprofit organization.

A special thank you to the Texas Christian University students and all of the individuals who volunteer with REAL School Gardens. We appreciate your efforts in making children’s lives better and strengthening their connection to nature.

Dig In ~ heather

9 October 2009 - 4:37pm | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5,6 ART,COUNSELING,LANGUAGE ARTS,MATH,OTHER,SCIENCE

REAL School Gardens welcomed 11 Dig In schools into the community on September 11 and 12, 2009 at the Bowles Life Center in Grand Prairie, TX.  This event was a first for REAL School Gardens, as the 11 participating schools have existing school gardens and are partnering with REAL School Gardens for additional support. Grand Prairie schools taking part in the event included Bowie Elementary, Crockett Elementary, Lyndon Baines Johnson Elementary, Sallye Moore Elementary, Colin Powell Elementary, Sam Rayburn Elementary, and Ervin C. Whitt Elementary. Also participating were four Dallas schools: Victor H. Hexter Elementary, Robert E. Lee Elementary, Alex Sanger Elementary, and Harry C. Withers Elementary.

Teachers, principals, community members, and parents spent the two days learning and reflecting on their school garden and exploring new ideas for educating children outdoors. They experienced hands-on activities such as a site map 5E Model lesson and stations on weeding, thinning, and revitalization. Participants also had fun singing and playing Jeopardy at the event. One educator described the event as an opportunity to gain valuable perspective, praising the weekend for providing “the ability for other teachers to interact with those from other schools and to see that this is a BIG PICTURE and that we are very important pieces of that picture.”

The Tetons Journey for Educators Continues ~ mschneider

1 September 2009 - 3:18pm | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5,6 SCIENCE

Funding from the Rainwater Charitable Foundation, facilitation by BRIT Education, and coordination with REAL School Gardens has allowed more and more North Texas educators, and ultimately the children they serve, to benefit from learning at the Teton Science Schools. This growing community is committed to the possibility of children being awakened, restored and inspired by learning from nature in the places where they are.

In early July, thirty-eight (38) educators and staff departed for a week of exploration and learning at the Teton Science Schools.  Participants from Dallas, Fort Worth and Grand Prairie included six school-teams as well as two central administrator teams. They came together as a community to share observations, enthusiasm and ideas and their journey will continue throughout the 2009-2010 school year as they implement their plans, share their progress and receive support through follow-up activities and community. Follow their journey.

REAL People Celebration at Atwood McDonald Elementary ~ hbranham

16 June 2009 - 10:28am | Filed under

On May 26, 2009 more than 200 people attended the REAL People Networking Event at Atwood McDonald Elementary School in Fort Worth, TX, and celebrated the successes experienced in REAL School gardens during the 2008-2009 school year.  Dozens of colorful garden display boards provided a glimpse into the wonderful moments when teaching and learning occurred in Fort Worth-area school gardens.  Many Atwood McDonald students volunteered at the event, welcoming guests to their school and touring visitors around their beautiful and bountiful garden. 

During the evening’s program, educators shared their success stories in the garden and acknowledged how important the garden was for their students.  Other community members including volunteers, partners and contributors were recognized with a certificate of appreciation.  The highlight of the night was the REAL People Awards Ceremony, which acknowledged significant volunteer accomplishments and honored those schools who excelled in various areas this year.  All in attendance were delighted by the announcement that free tree saplings could be taken home to plant as a token of REAL School Gardens’ gratitude for all of the collective efforts to connect our community’s children with nature.  (Special thanks to the following tree sponsors: The Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Cross Timbers Urban Forestry Council, Fort Worth Garden Club, Fort Worth Botanical Society and Fort Worth Parks and Community Services Forestry Department.)

Planting builds character ~ caroline.hill@fwisd.org

10 June 2009 - 1:52pm | Filed under

At Morningside Elementary School our garden is brimming with wonderful fruits and vegetables - not to mention the most beautiful flowers to be found!

As students tend the over acre garden they find they not only are growing plants, but are growing their character as well. The responsibility of caring for a garden plot carries over into other areas of our students' academic lives. As they learn that a plant needs certain things to thrive and survive, so do they! Every action (or lack of action) has a reaction in the garden - and that is a truth that is reflected in our daily life!

Students fested on the produce they grew. They sold plants they propagated in our greenhouse to raise money to help sustain our beautiful garden. The money students earn at our plant sales is the only funds we have to sustain our lush environmewnt. These gifts the children earn are worked for  - just as the academic achievements are earned.

We not only grew beautiful plants and flowers this school year at Morningside - we grew responsible, committed, and caring individuals!

Caroline Hill, Special Interest Program Coordinator

What Are Those Round Green Things? ~ slhodge

29 May 2009 - 2:38pm | Filed under

In the fall 2008, shortly after school had started, the kids and I discovered a bunch of twisty, tangely vines in the community garden.  Many of them asked, "what are those round, green things?".  I was shocked, but intrigued so we talked about fruits and vegetables, about how they grow on trees, plants and vines.  Eventually, after much discussion one or two in each group figured out they were watermelons.  It is true, the melons were only slightly smaller than a basketball and dark green on the outside, so they didn't look like the typical grocery store watermelon.

 We watched them grow over the course of a few weeks until they were ripe and we had enough for every classroom, 15 in all!  Every class was able to pick their watermelon and then every student got a slice.  Many of them had never had watermelon at all, and if they had, never picked fresh from the garden.

 Different grades did different things with the watermelons.  Fifth grade had to estimate the weigt and circumference; second graders estimated the number of seeds; several classes made guesses as to what color the insides would be (not all were the same!).  It was a great way to start off the new year and a great way to get the kids excited about learning in the garden.

If You Can Dream It, You Can Achieve It ~ melanieclardy

14 May 2009 - 1:12pm | Filed under

When Colleyville Elementary School opened the doors on its new campus in August, 2007, everything was perfect.........well almost perfect.  You see, the old campus had an Outdoor Learning Center and the new campus did not.  That is when the PTA decided to commit time and money toward seeing the dream of a new garden on the new campus. 

The effort was led by PTA Campus Beautification Chairman, Melanie Clardy, who began by asking the teachers what they wanted.  Responses included native plants, butterfly plants, trees that show the seasons and a place to sit in the shade.  A plan was drawn up by parent volunteer, John Debrei, and the result was a 2,500 square foot area that included fruit and nut trees, Texas natives, a hummingbird and butterfly area, an area for birds, raised beds for teachers to plant in,  and seating both in and out of the shade.  

THe project seemed overwhelming at first.  But Clardy and the PTA got busy raising the necessary funds for the project and in the end, were able to raise more than $26,000.00 necessary to build and irrigate the garden.  The final donation came from a parent and was used to construct a large pergola structure at the center of the garden in memory of a relative.  After nearly two years' worth of planning, dreaming and fundraising, the garden was dedicated on April 21, 2009.  The school celebrated with a family picnic afterwards.

Colleyville Elementary students have planted, composted, raised earthworms and weeded.  They learn about science, mathand other subjects by hands-on experiences and the Outdoor Learning Center is a favorite place to gather.  They are proud of their garden and enjoy all it offers everyday.

 

 

Volunteers young and old lend a hand to David E. Smith's School Garden ~ jfitzgerald

5 May 2009 - 3:00pm | Filed under

David E. Smith held its REAL School Garden installation day on Saturday, April 18th in Haltom City, Texas.  After removing two 100 foot tarps that saved the day from becoming a muddy mess, over 160 volunteers braved the wet conditions to begin building the garden.  Staff, students, parents and community members worked side by side to construct walkways and flower beds, move boulders, build a storage shed and layout a large brick patio.  Many students learned what teamwork is really all about, as the blank courtyard transformed into a beautiful area in just a few hours.

Volunteers ranged from 2 to 83 years old.  Mr. David E. Smith himself showed his support by hauling rock and raking paths.  Mr. Smith was thrilled to see the elaborate rain barrel collection system designed by volunteer Bill “B.J.” James.  He commented, “This is ecology plus!  This is green – real green!”  After serving over 30 years as principal of what was then, Browning Heights Elementary, Mr. Smith is proud and excited for what current and future students will gain from the REAL School Garden.

Adam Brown, a seventh grade student at Haltom Middle School, was happy to return to his elementary school and help install the garden.  Adam was delighted that this once under-utilized, asphalt space would now become an outdoor classroom for his younger brothers and sisters.

Arthur Ashe Elementary P.R.I.D.E. Gardeners Get a Visit from the Sculptor of the Arthur Ashe Monument (Virginia) ~ bethstanfordgunter

4 May 2009 - 1:17pm | Filed under 4

On April 15th, 2009, Arthur Ashe Jr., Elementary School began working on our P.R.I.D.E. Garden, led by Ms. Beth Stanford-Gunter (fourth grade), Ms. Michelle McQuown (third grade), and Mrs. Erika Clarke (fifth grade).

P.R.I.D.E. stands for Personal Responsibility in Daily Effort (created by our principal, Dr. Dana Bost), and our work in the garden will give us an opportunity to reflect on the qualities of good citizenship and community.

The garden is organic and will allow us to create a space for every grade in the school to use across the curriculum. For example, children can record observations about life in the garden for Science, and write poetry, short stories, and expository passages inspired by the garden for Language Arts. They can even grid off a section with twine and plot ordinate pairs in Math. The possibilities are endless!

PAUL DIPASQUALE, SCULPTOR OF THE ARTHUR ASHE MONUMENT ON MONUMENT AVE., VISITS THE P.R.I.D.E. GARDENERS!

The raised bed has been built! It is located outside of the Art room in the courtyard. It measures approximately 10X10 and we will post pictures soon, once we begin planting. It is our dream that the entire courtyard will eventually be filled with garden beds connected by winding pathways. Each pathway will have a marker, painted by a child, that provides us with a quality of good citizenship. During our walks we can reflect on each of these qualities as we come across them in the garden.

PAUL DIPASQUALE, sculptor of the Arthur Ashe monument on Monument Avenue, will be visiting us Wednesday. He will show a powerpoint about his artwork, discuss the qualities of community, the importance of school and the humanitarian efforts of Arthur Ashe, Jr. He will also be taking a mini-tour of our P.R.I.D.E. Garden!

THANK YOU VIRGINIA RANDOLPH COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR PRINTING OUR SHIRTS FOR US!

Birdville Elementary School Installs School Garden ~ Charlotte

22 April 2009 - 11:35am | Filed under

Educators, families and community members worked together on Saturday, March 28, 2009 to install Birdville Elementary School’s garden.  Despite a cold day, all had smiles on their faces as they moved boulders, constructed planting beds and set up a compost area.  They constructed variously shaped beds along the garden’s curving walkway.  Scott Feille, REAL School Gardens’ Program Director, noted, “It is REAL School Gardens’ pleasure to work with this community to build their learning garden.  The educators here are so involved in their students’ learning and always focus on what is best for them.  Having a great outdoor space for learning only enriches their school’s curriculum.”

Special thanks go to First Euless church for helping with this installation.  Duane Metz, of First Euless church, said, “This is a great learning opportunity for children.  It’s great to see the children build the garden they will use.”

Westcliff Elementary Students Learn About Journaling ~ Charlotte

21 April 2009 - 10:47am | Filed under

On February 10, 2009, students at Westcliff Elementary School in Fort Worth, Texas were delighted to follow Clare Walker Leslie, noted naturalist, artist, author and educator, into their school garden.  Following Leslie’s lead, the students incorporated drawing into their journaling.  As they focused on noting and drawing the details of what they were seeing, the children realized how much there is to observe in a garden.  Leslie said, “We go outside and we don’t know what we’ll find.  And I’ve never met a child that wanted to go back inside.”  Later that day, Leslie spoke to educators, parents and community members at REAL School Gardens’ REAL People meeting.  Leslie is the author of several books including Keeping a Nature Journal: Discover a Whole New Way of Seeing the World Around You.

Photo by Matthew Rainwater

 

Grand Praire School Hosts REAL People Meeting ~ Charlotte

20 April 2009 - 1:34pm | Filed under

Over 100 educators enjoyed the first-ever REAL People Networking event in Grand Prairie, Texas on April 16, 2009.  Hosted by Florence Hill Elementary School, the educators gathered in the school’s habitat (garden) for a light dinner and garden tours by student members of the school’s Green Team.  A delightful presentation by Jane Kirkland, author of several nature books, followed.  Several participants remarked that they felt uplifted and inspired after attending the event.  Thanks to all who made the event possible, especially those from Florence Hill ES! 

Garden Installation at Hubbard Heights ElementarySchool ~ Charlotte

8 April 2009 - 12:04pm | Filed under

On Saturday, April 4, 2009, over 100 volunteers (parents, children, teachers and administrators) worked together to install the garden at Hubbard Heights Elementary School in Fort Worth, Texas.  The installation culminated what was truly a community effort.  Scores of interested parents participated in the community design meetings to clarify how the school garden could meet their children’s needs.  And then, they helped with the installation.  All sorts of talents were put to good use—painting, stone moving, digging, planting, path building, and more.
 
One of the parents said, “Thank you for helping give my children a garden.  My son comes home from school so excited to be working outside.”  She went on to describe how he tells her that plants give off oxygen to help all of us breathe.  She was excited that her younger son follows his example and now helps the older boy with cleaning up litter and garden work.  She also related that her mother made sure that she learned how to grow vegetables as a child and now her boys will know too.
 
Congratulations to all who participated in the garden’s installation.  For more photos of the installation, visit http://www.fwisd.org/News/Pages/2009-04-07_HubbardHeightsGarden.aspx

David E. Smith gets started! ~ mhughes

27 March 2009 - 3:04pm | Filed under

We began our journey in October, with the students and classrooms creating illustrations of their dream garden.  We then took those wonderful ideas and joined them with community ideas at two dinner meetings hosted by REAL School Gardens.  Scott Feille, REAL School Garden’s program director, spoke with DES families about what an Outdoor Learning Environment will do for our students’ education and how it will bring our community together in a meaningful way.  Kerry Renta, REAL School Garden’s landscape architect, then took our designs and incorporated similar features into a beautiful layout.  A third meeting was held with the DES REAL School Garden Committee and final plans were made to break ground on the courtyard.  We plan on having our first community wide family work day on April 18th and are looking forward to building not only a REAL School Garden, but a David E. Smith legacy.

Recently, Mr. BJ James and Mr. Joe Villa, community volunteers and staff spouses, has designed the drainage and water collection system for the garden.  Several volunteers have worked long hours preparing the land for this system that will collect rain water for use in maintaining the vegetation and prevent flooding from destroying our hard work.  This project will be continued in the coming weeks, and we hope to have it completed close to the April 18th family work day.  We appreciate all the time and effort these men and women have donated and can’t wait to see the final result.

Grand Prairie Teachers Learn from Life Lab Science Experts ~ Charlotte

23 March 2009 - 2:16pm | Filed under

Elementary teachers (grades K-2 and 3-5) from the Grand Prairie Independent School District worked with experts from Life Lab Science on Saturday, February 21, 2009.  Sponsored by REAL School Gardens, about 60 educators gathered at Barbara Bush Elementary School for this professional development event.  As one participant reported, “I liked the real-life applications you brought.  We can really use this!”  The Life Lab Science Program is nationally acknowledged as a leader in the development and dissemination of science and garden-centered educational programs.

Grand Prairie Counselors Discuss Garden's Use ~ Charlotte

23 March 2009 - 2:04pm | Filed under

On Tuesday, February 10, 2009, about twenty-three counselors in the Grand Prairie Independent School District met to learn ways to use school gardens in their counseling program.  Led by expert, Dr. Joe Novak from Texas A&M University, the counselors participated in a variety of activities. Dr. Novak’s studies emphasize the use of garden projects to improve the quality of life for both children and adults.

Harvest Goes to Help Others ~ krenta

15 March 2009 - 4:18pm | Filed under

Last fall Westcliff Elementary students from Pk to 5th grade planted onion bulbs and cabbages in our school garden.  We had such a mild winter that we were able to harvest that crop in mid February.

We began counting all the onions and noticed we had about 60 -70 plants and about 12 cabbage heads of varying sizes.  We wondered what to do with all that produce..  At a faculty meeting our music teacher Ms. Cox  mentioned her church had a food pantry for needy folks called the May Street Market.   She talked to them and they said they would be delighted to take fresh produce.  Our students then went to work harvesting those onions and cabbages.

We harvested 10 lbs. of onions and 11 lbs. of cabbages. Ms. Cox deliverd the produce to the market.  She reported back,  " Westcliff produce flew of the shelves and into the baskets of people in need!"

This spring we hope to be sending a big harvest of potatoes and maybe more onions.

"BEE"ing a Fitzgerald Garden Volunteer ~ JoAnnCollins

11 March 2009 - 10:35pm | Filed under 1,2,3,4,5,6,PK-K

“BEE”ing  a Volunteer in Family Garden Club!

Now if you look closely at the first word in the title you can tell that this article will probably be about “Bees” and “bee”ing a volunteer in the Garden isn’t always about people.

On Sunday, March 8, 2009, Mom and I went to the garden to do some volunteer work.  When we arrived Mrs. Rosenthal/Master Gardener showed us something very interesting.  We went towards the variegated privet bush and saw a swarm of bees on the bush.  It was as wide & tall as a piece of notebook paper.  Some of the bees were buzzing by us real close!  Mrs. Rosenthal said, “Don’t worry, if you don’t mess with them then they won’t mess with you.”   Then it came to mind, I remembered watching a movie “Secret Life of Bees”.  One of the characters said, “Don’t even think about swatting because every little thing wants to be loved.”  It was really cool to have a chance to see bees up close.  While watching the bees I have been wondering why they would buzz around and gather like that?  Mrs. Rosenthal explained they usually stay there for a day or two or they could be making a hive.  That’s when I realized they could also be volunteering to pollinate or “bee” taking a break in our garden.  But sadly on March 9, they had to go bye-bye. It was neat to see them there.  So don’t be dumb and get a bee mad, especially a swarm of bees.  You wouldn’t want to get stung and cause them to die because if the entire bees in the world died we would have no more honey. Like my mom says, “You get more with honey than you do vinegar” and I would say “Cause every little thing wants to be loved.”

By Shelby Bilodeau, 5th Grade

Fitzgerald Elementary Students Give Back ~ Colleen Porter

6 January 2009 - 1:29pm | Filed under OTHER

Fitzgerald Elementary students delivered Thanksgiving vegetable baskets to the Castle Rock Assisted Living Center as a way to give back and share thanks. The vegetables were grown in Fitzgerald's Outdoor Learning Environment and were harvested by the students themselves. The students had a wonderful time showing their gratitude and giving back. They were featured on the Arlington ISD website at www.aisd.net

Texas Science Educators Visit Garden ~ Charlotte

2 December 2008 - 4:13pm | Filed under PK-K,1,2,3,4,5 OTHER

In November, 2008, Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center in Fort Worth, Texas was proud to be a field trip site for the annual Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST) sponsored by Science Teachers of Texas (STAT), a statewide organization of teachers dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of science and education in schools.  Carlson’s Outdoor Learning Environment (garden) is a part of the REAL School Gardens network.

As the educators got off the bus, they were met by two first grade students with journals in hand.  Avery and Sarah explained their class’ current experiment in Carlson’s garden.  The class read that native Americans used fish heads as a natural fertilizer and wanted to test this hypothesis.  They planted Winter Peas and fertilized half of the bed with fish heads.  According to their current data, the plants fertilized by the fish heads are bigger and doing better.

The field trip continued as fifth-grade students led the science educators on tours of the school’s garden.  The student docents pointed out the rainwater catchment system; the waterfall; and the desert, prairie and woodland sections.  They also explained their current investigation of the bog area.  They are investigating why certain areas of the bog dry out faster than others and deciding what to do about the issue.

The visiting teachers were very complimentary of the school’s garden and the students.  Comments included:
“This is wonderful for kids to be inquisitive and to learn.”  −Patricia Ramirez, Bayview, Texas

“I’m so impressed with the interaction of the school, community and businesses.  This garden provides endless opportunities for students…”  −Michelle Rutherford, Hamilton, Texas

“The students are really learning more than they think.”  −Rebecca Villalva, Andrews, Texas

“It was beautiful and informative, graced by monarchs and mockingbirds while we were there.”  –Carol McGilvray, San Antonio, Texas

“I can’t believe that the children exhibit such vast knowledge.  Even at such a young age the students knew so much about what they are doing and why.  Thank you for this experience.”  --  Tameka Lane, Shreveport, Louisiana

For more information about Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center, visit their website.

Aussie school garden ~ Voren

17 August 2008 - 6:12pm | Filed under

Check out a school garden in Sydney Australia:

http://ecopond.blogspot.com/2007/03/eco-learning-area.html

 

We have a herb spiral and vegie patches:

 

We have a frog pond: 

Our latest project is a Rainforest Gully Garden featuring rainforest and bushtucker plants.

Our visitors include native bees, butterflies, blue tongue lizards and grey-headed flying foxes. 

Earth Day Celebration ~ John

15 May 2008 - 12:00am | Filed under 5 SCIENCE

On Tuesday April 22nd we celebrated Earth Day!  All of our fifth graders had the opportunity to go outdoors to discuss and reflect on the importance of conservation.  They pledged to reduce, reuse and recycle at home and school.  Then, they went into action and planted two trees in our OLE. That same day all our Science Club members Kinder through 6th grade also celebrated by planting wildflower seeds throughout the OLE.

Kid quotes from Earth Day

"We should always recycle because we have to keep trees safe.  Earth is a really great place.  We need to keep our environment safe too!  The Earth is really special."
Ruben

"We need to conserve our resources because it’s our environment.  It’s important to recycle, clean, and save water.  It was fun outside today!  Today we planted a tree and it will provide clean oxygen for us to breath."
Charlotte

"Conservation is important because we can recycle and not waste our planet.  We conserve not to destroy our planet."
Alejandro

"Conservation is important because without it our forests, wildlife, and other natural resources would not be protected and die out."
Monica

"It is important to celebrate Earth Day because if people didn’t our Earth would be dirtier, the rivers, ponds, and lakes would be nasty and the air would be polluted.  Also, our Earth would be in danger and we would be too."
Daisy

Watauga Elementary Earth Day Celebration ~ Kate

14 May 2008 - 12:00am | Filed under 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 OTHER

Watauga Elementary celebrated Earth Day and officially dedicated our Outdoor Learning Environment on April 22nd, 2008.   This was a special opportunity for over 700 students, staff and special guests in our community to share in the celebration of our first year in the ground.  

Special Guests in attendance were Dr. Stephen Waddell, BISD Superintendent; Dr. Ellen Bell, BISD Associate Superintendent for Instruction and Curriculum;  Mark Thomas, BISD Communications Officer; Harry Jeffries, Mayor of Watauga; and from the REAL School Gardens Organization: Suzy Peacock, Stacey Hodge and Eric Vanderbeck.

Eagle Scout Ryan, the son of one of our teachers, organized the building of a handicap accessible bridge.  Daniel, a 5 year-old student in a wheelchair happily cut the ribbon to dedicate the bridge.

Students played instruments and sang Earth Day songs under the direction of our music teachers. Students from each grade level talked about and released beneficial bugs into our garden.  A few tadpoles, a frog, and a toad were invited to find new habitats in our pond and garden area as well.

Haley, a fifth grade student talked about the Koi she brought from her home, “These fish were born in my pond at home and may their cycle of life continue on for generations so the students of Watauga Elementary can study and enjoy them for many years to come!”  

Our purpose in creating an Outdoor Learning Environment at our school was to develop an understanding, awareness and appreciation of the garden and the environment.  Our Earth Day Celebration and Dedication made possible this vision as students, teachers, and the community are inspired to continue making connections and appreciation of learning outdoors.