After months of planning and preparation, we have finally broken ground on our new Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE). The OLE will feature a native butterfly garden, 5 planting beds for veggies and an outdoor classroom complete with whiteboard.
In another area, we will have a pumpkin patch. This will be a project that the kindergarteners and 4th graders will work on together.
Getting this project off the ground and running has been quite a large undertaking and there were more than a few obstacles to overcome, but with lots of support from our wonderful principal and our AMAZING PTA, we are starting to see things happen!
Last Week, the Maintenance Department dug out the existing sprinkler system to make way for a new drip irrigation system.
Yesterday, the concrete guys leveled the ground and began building the wooden frames to pour the concrete beds.
Our Science Team has applied for a grant from the Wylie Education Foundation (WEF) to cover a lot of the start up costs. We won't know if we will receive the grant until March, so we hope to begin planting then. Even with the help from our principal, PTA and the WEF grant (fingers crossed), we will still rely heavily on outside grants and donations for the yearly up keep. If you are aware of any grants that we might have overlooked, or you know of a local business that would be willing to make a donation of materials or money, please let me know!
to discuss the project and get your feedback, so if you are interested in helping out and being a part of this incredible learning experience, PLEASE JOIN US!!
Happy Gardening!!
I can't wait to see the progression of this work. Thank you team for making this an area of learning, fun and real for the students of Whitt!
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