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!!