GOT DIRT???

WE DO!!! 

Thanks to our heroes at the WISD Maintenance Department, who paid for the dirt and are currently dumping it into our raised beds as I write!  There are no words big enough to express the gratitude that we have for these gentlemen.  They have worked tirelessly to make our dream of an outdoor learning facility come true.  This week they put pea gravel in the bottom of each raised bed, installed the drip irrigation system, loaded in the dirt, and began work on the pavers.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the time that I've spent visiting with them about our plans and watching them bring our vision to life!  It is quite obvious that these guys take ownership and pride in this project, because they not only tolerate, but enjoy being photoed and video taped while doing their work.  When they see me coming with my trusty camcorder, they help me set up shots, perform, pose and even narrate at times!! 

So, if you see one of our stars from the WISD Maintenance Department, shake his hand and give him a big THANK YOU from the Whitt Wolves!!

Happy Gardening!!

All's Fair in Love and Gardening!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

I received my Valentine's present early when I went out to check the progress in the WOLF yesterday.  You can't imagine my surprise and elation when I turned the corner to see all of the brick work on the raised beds FINISHED!!!

The next step is for the WISD Maintenance Crew to add 6 inches of pea gravel to the bottom of each bed for drainage and put in the irrigation system.  The Science Team is hard at work trying to get good soil (for a good price) to fill at least half of the beds so we will be ready to plant by March!  (big thanks to Joel Williams for helping with the calculations!) 

3rd and 4th grade classes have already gotten a head start on planting by starting seeds inside.  3rd Grade started the seeds for 2 types of tomatoes and 3 types of peppers in cups.  They will be observing them to compare the rate of growth, the amount of production, and to determine if one type flourishes over another.

4th grade started radish seeds in small clay pots.  They used 7 different mixtures of soil to plant their radishes.  They will compare the soil to see which type worked best for growing their radishes. 

Monday evening, I met with our Horticulture Committee to discuss some plans for the WOLF.  They gave me some wonderful gardening tips and lots of information on which veggies would work well in our raised beds.  We talked about some space saving ideas and some ways to use the area between the 1st and 3rd grade wings.  We also discussed the butterfly garden and they gave me some great ideas for getting it started without a lot of cost.  Thank you, Curly Top Welch, Malia Turk, Karen Medina, and Tommy Turner!!

Happy Gardening!!

It's For The Birds!!

Well, we haven't seen much progress in the WOLF this week.  We are still waiting for the brick work to be done, but some teachers have already begun preparing for some outdoor learning! 

Dr. Slaten introduced the new rooftop weather station to the students on the announcements today.  Below, Mrs. Sandoval explains the many features of our new weather station.

Also, in weather news, the 4th grade got a visit from a real meteorologist, Evan Andrews from FOX 4 News!!

My 3rd Grade and Becky Crain's 1st grade classes are starting a new project to observe birds this spring.  I spend most of my summer in Colorado, and one of my favorite things to do is watch the bluebirds and pinon jays that build their nests and raise their babies in the boxes that we built and put in our backyard.

 



While surfing the garden boards on Pinterest, I found a bird box that attaches to a window.  It doesn't have a back panel, so you can view all of the activity from inside the classroom! (GENIUS!!)  I took this idea to my handy man (my dad, Tommy Turner) and he modified the plans that we used to build our Colorado bluebird boxes to build two window boxes.  We attached the box to the outside of my classroom window with special contact cement that will hold strong, but will come off if needed.  We finished by placing a piece of black construction paper on the inside of our window over the box to give the birds privacy.  When we want to observe them, we can simply lift the paper up, but otherwise the activity in the classroom will not disturb them.  We are so excited about this new project!  The kids can't wait for a bird family to move in! 

If you would like to build a bird box for your backyard, or to go on your window, check out the North American Bluebird Society website!

Happy Gardening!!

We Get By With A Little Help From Our Friends!

Monday night, the Whitt Science Team held a meeting for parents and community members to discuss the progress that has been made on the WOLF and the plans for moving forward.
Kristin Stevens opened the meeting by introducing the Science Team:
rebecca.crain@wylieisd.net - Manager
dewawn.wiest@wylieisd.net - Treasurer
jill.brown@wylieisd.net - Secretary
kristin.stevens@wylieisd.net - Community Outreach/ Donations
kristi.williams@wylieisd.net - Grant Writer
emily.turner@wylieisd.net - Horticulture/ Historian
abby.sandoval@wylieisd.net - Video Coordinator/ Donations
shawnell.bradshaw@wylieisd.net - Public Relations

Next, Becky Crain went over the plans for the building of the WOLF, the budget that we are working with, and what is needed to proceed. To view the presentation, please visit the Whitt Elementary Website. 

Kristi Williams discussed the grant proposal that she and Dewawn Wiest wrote to the Wylie Education Foundation. 
Finally, the floor was opened up to the community members to voice their ideas, questions and concerns.  Here are a few of the topics that were discussed:

• Drought - there was concern that if Stage 4 is declared, we will not be able to water.  WISD Maintenance Department is putting in a drip irrigation system which will use less water than a regular sprinkler system. Also, it is expected that if we do go to Stage 4, other areas will be affected before the watering.
• Pumpkin Patch - The kindergarteners and 4th graders will work together on a pumpkin patch in the fenced off drainage area behind the playground.  It was asked if we will need to purchase more soil for this project.  We hope to use the existing soil and supplement it with fertilizer and compost from our compost bins.
• Fundraising - several different fundraising ideas were offered and discussed.  A committee is being formed.
• Donations/Non-profit -it was asked if the WOLF can be considered a Non-profit Organization.  We cannot give out our tax id number, but Dr. Slaten will send a detailed,  professional letter of thanks to anyone who makes a donation.  This letter can be submitted as proof of the donation for tax purposes. 
• Liability - a concern was brought up as to whether we would be liable for a person getting hurt in the WOLF outside of school hours.  The same rules would apply to this as to someone playing on the playground after school hours.  According to the State of Texas, the school is not liable for any accidents that occur.
• The Next Step - Right now, we are in need of some supplies so we can be ready to start planting in the spring.  We will be holding a shower for the WOLF.  Each grade level will be asked to donate a certain item. Expect more information on this in the upcomming weeks. We are planning to start seedlings in the classrooms that can be transferred to the beds when they are ready. 

At the end of the meeting, community members were given the opportunity to sign up for several different committees.  The following is the committee list:

• Horticultural Committee - responsible for planning and planting in the WOLF (team contact: Emily Turner)
• Fundraising Committee - responsible for planning and implementing fundraising for the building and maintenance of the WOLF (team contact: Dewawn Wiest)
• Summer Club - Responsible for working with students and teachers throughout the summer to maintain the plants in the WOLF. (team contact: Kristi Williams)
• T-Shirt Committee - responsible for planning the student art contest, and the making and selling of T-Shirts. (team contact: Becky Crain)
• Grade Level Volunteers - responsible for organization and collection for the WOLF Shower. (team contact: Kristin Stevens) 

If you are interested in volunteering on one of these committees, please contact one of the Science Team members.

Happy Gardening!!