Wednesday, March 16, 2011

What have we accomplished so far?

Ms. Jackson and I have been planning this garden since the summer of 2010. We have rather grandiose plans for the space and while it may take us several years to implement all of our ideas, we'll definitely get it done! We will be setting up a storage space, a butterfly/bird garden and 3 raised beds this spring. The science club will be very busy once our first shipment arrives. We will be looking for volunteers to help set up the storage shed. If you are interested, please email me at julierae.jones@fayette.kyschools.us

Of course, all of these plans require money. One of our first tasks was to apply for every grant and enter every contest we could find. We didn't win them all but we were successful. We received a $5,000 grant from Lowe's and a $1,000 grant from the Bluegrass Community Foundation. We were also lucky to have several garden tools donated to us on the DonorsChoose.org website. Our students helped us earn an additional $1,000 by winning our category in the Cash for Cans City Recycling Contest.

Next step, set up the first sections of our garden! We'll post pictures once we receive materials and the garden begins!

Happy Gardening,
Ms. Jones

Here we go!

Welcome students, families, teachers and community friends to the Russell Cave Elementary School Garden blog. Ms. Abby Jackson and I have been working hard to plan an outdoor learning space that will booster academic achievement through the promotion of environmental awareness, a healthy lifestyle and civic responsibility. Our garden plan will target all areas of the curriculum--science, health, literacy, math, social studies, the arts and technology.  

We intend to use this blog to help our school community stay connected to what is happening in the garden. My goal is to update this space on a regular basis, so please check back frequently for the latest on RCE garden news!

Here we go!
Julie Jones (Ms. Jones)