- Author: Angelica Perez
Mrs. Roxie Schallberg quickly acknowledged that implementing the Lowe's garden grant required more than just a vision. After Madison Elementary received the grant money, there were steps to take with the district, school and maintenance staff to make this vision come to life.
To begin the garden project, Angelica Perez, UC CalFresh coordinator, supported Mrs. Roxie Schallberger in applying for the grant. Once the grant was awarded she was able to guide her in scheduling a meeting to help her in the initial steps to begin the grant implementation. In the meeting was Madison Principal Mercedes Ochoa, and Curtis Manganaan, Director of Maintenance and Operations for the district. They both played a key role in helping to identify barriers and solutions and how to bring together a new garden at the school site. As the meeting ended, all the information and next steps where identified and the garden vision was soon becoming a reality.
The garden beds were recommended to be built by Ripperdan Community Day School in Madera, CA. Students in Mr. Scanlan's wood shop class were tasked with building the wooden garden beds and benches for Madison. Maintenance staff are also much appreciated for the design of the garden location, leveling the ground, fencing off the area and in making the garden area nice and easy to use. Finally, the “We Believe in Healthy Living" Madison Mavericks garden sign came in after the beds and benches were in place. The garden is now ready to be fully used. Although the original plan for the Madison garden took a turn in the beginning planning changes, the new location and design was even better than the original plan.
The We Believe in Healthy Living Garden at Madison Elementary was a big team effort that created impactful connections with Mrs. Schallberger, Madison Staff, UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program, Lowe's, Ripperdan Community Day School and the school district and maintenance staff. All of these collaborations and contributions make the Madison Mavericks We Believe in Healthy Living garden project even more special. The school looks forward to its official garden opening day next year and will plan to have lessons in the garden for all grade levels that wish to participate. Below are some pictures detailng the progress of the garden.
- Author: Hannah Lee
Ayer Elementary's entrance was upgraded in August with an herb and flower garden, just in time for the new school year. Students and parents joined the UC CalFresh garden team in beautifying the front of the school at the request of Principal Rocha-Salazar. Take a look at the photos below to see the great work UC CalFresh's garden team and some wonderful parents and students did.
Adding fresh soil to new garden barrels
These bright flowers are sure to bring new life to Ayer's entrance!
To ensure the garden would look beautiful year round with minimal work, we chose annual flowers, which grow back year after year
- Author: Hannah Lee
Over the past few months, UC CalFresh's garden group has teamed up with the wonderful staff and faculty at Ayer Elementary to launch the Ayer Garden Project. This project will give students and their parents, as well as Ayer teachers, the opportunity to garden together and build a healthier community. On Tuesday, May 23rd, the UC CalFresh garden group hosted Adopt-a-Bed, where teachers had a chance to "adopt" one of the garden beds that have been sitting unused for the past few years. The collective vision is that students, parents, Ayer staff, and the surrounding community will find joy, health, and a whole wealth of knowledge in the garden next year.
UC CalFresh garden team members Nancy, Hannah, and Kristi are ready to share the joy of gardening with teachers!
Hannah discusses garden logistics with the enthusiastic kindergarten team.
"Orange you tired of not having a garden?"
Ayer's lead Nutrition Educator, Hannah, is excited to see how the garden grows next year! Be sure to stay tuned and check back in the fall for more Ayer Garden Project updates!
- Author: Elizabeth Lopez
- Contributor: Emily Harris
On Saturday, April 29th, UC CalFresh attended Coalinga's Week of the Young Child Event at the West Hills College Child Development Center to honor the center's students and their families. With various vendors in attendance, families had the opportunity to enjoy many activities, including a petting zoo, a silent auction, a book fair, a gardening opportunity, and so much more!
- Author: Consuelo Cid
- Editor: Emily Harris
Garden-based learning offers a myriad of benefits to students.
Garden based learning:
- Allows teachers to integrate multiple subject areas like the natural and social sciences, mathematics, language arts, and nutrition.
- Enhances academic achievement.
- Connects students with nature.
- Teaches environmental stewardship.
- Encourages time outdoors.
Gardening grows more than just gardens: it grows students' minds!
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Vang Pao Elementary teacher, Jacquie Henderson, started a school garden during the 2015-2016 academic school year. Henderson is excited to expand her classroom garden this upcoming school year. Let's see what bounty they cultivated this past school year...
Can you guess what's growing at Vang Pao?
If you guessed yellow summer squash and tomatoes, you are correct!
Looks likes it's almost time to harvest again!
The garden was made possible by the work of Henderson's fifth grade class and students in the garden club at Vang Pao Elementary. They did an amazing job, and even donated their first harvest! Students enjoyed tasting the fruits of their labor, or in this case, the vegetables of their labor!
Great job Henderson's fifth grade class! I look forward to seeing what produce you decide to plant this school year.
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Did you know...
August 7-13, 2016 is National Farmers Market Week!
