Lower Elementary

We have four primary objectives for our garden: promoting healthy foods and eating habits through the cultivation of fruits and vegetables; fostering volunteerism amongst our students and their families through participation in the garden; providing sustenance to our community through donation of produce to local food banks; and developing environmental responsibility through exposure to local growing challenges such as soil quality and limited natural resources.

Armstrong Elementary School is located in an inner suburb of Dallas where there is limited land and dense population. Our goal is to integrate an outdoor classroom that will further expand and improve upon the existing curriculum, values and overall performance of our school including, but not limited to: math, science, social studies, environmental and nutritional education, leadership, school spirit and community outreach.

Hawthorne's school mission is to continue fostering academic excellence through collaborative efforts of staff, parents, volunteers, and students. Our school will be a neighborhood center that provides a sense of community, safety, stability, and resources for many family needs. We are committed to guiding and inspiring students to become productive and valued members of our community. Our goal is to help students realize their potential and to establish a solid foundation for their futures.

Ruby Bridges's garden is 6 years old. We wish to partner with CNGF/ the ELSEE model so we can effectively teach urban farming, and nutrition education in the garden. Working with CNGF/ELSEE will assure our garden's future as a eco-teaching laboratory and a source of healthy food. The lesson plans CNGF/ELSEE has developed cover the California science standards by grade and the Environmental Education Initiative that will take effect in California schools in 2014.