Community Garden Takes Root at Cleveland   

The project is teaching the students about the growing process, healthy nutrition, and community service. When the garden is ready for picking, the council will open it up to the Cleveland community to help provide healthy food for area tables.   Cleveland's Student Council traditionally organizes school events, such as the annual fundraiser for the school's sister school in Golgotha, Tanzania. The council recently raised more than $500 to purchase desks so the Golgotha students wouldn't have to sit on the floor.   But this crop of council members also has an environmental bent. The council has been very involved in recycling and cleaning up the school campus, explained Kay Hanft, the school's music teacher and one of two advisors of the Green Council. The council is co-chaired by Bridgette McKay, a first grade teacher.   "The students had been taking notice of the school's focus on serving healthier foods in the cafeteria and even in the classroom through the district's Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program," McKay said.

Cleveland students, from left, Allysa Bosse, Brennen Blazier, Lilly Spray, Kora Drogula, and Makayla Quirk plant  strawberries

"That got them thinking about how fruits and vegetables are grown and if their classmates are taking advantage of the healthy benefits these foods provide."  Mya Reeves poses with her seed pot "We decided to plant some fruits and vegetables to give to the community," chipped in Green Council member Mariana Villasenor. "We want to make sure kids are getting these foods at home." McKay, an avid gardener, began teaching the students about the planting process. The students then gave up a free Saturday morning to plant strawberries, cucumbers, and watermelons.     "At first, we didn't know what to plant," said Mya Reeves. "Mrs. McKay taught us which plants grow best in planter boxes. We each made a list of possible fruits and vegetables. Then we voted for our favorites."   While the hardy strawberry plants were sowed into the newly constructed planter boxes in front of the school, the students planted the cucumbers and watermelon seeds in plant pots. They will be replanted into the outside boxes when the weather turns warmer and the current frost threats are over.   Council members will share the fruits of their labor when they begin ripening this summer. "We plan to open up the garden to the Cleveland community," said sixth grader Brennen Blazier. "We want families in the community to come and pick the food they need." Brennen added the council will erect a sign in front of the school when the fruit is ready for picking to let the public know the garden is open. "We hope this becomes a yearly project," Brennen said. "New fruits and vegetables will be added each year."  Construction of the project was funded by a donation of lumber from Lowe's and an Innovative Educator Grant from Teachers Credit Union. Mr. McKay volunteered his time to build the six large planter boxes.   Bridgette McKay was taught gardening by her father when she was a child and has had a garden every year since she moved into her own home. She views the garden as a learning experience for the students.   "We're hoping to foster an interest in gardening in the students that will keep them growing their own food when they get older," McKay stated. "We also want them to share what they're learning with their classmates. The whole idea behind the community garden is to spread our knowledge and interest in gardening to the greater community."          Cleveland Elementary School's Green Council

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