Bertram Elementary

The gardening program at Bertram Elementary is led by students attending the After-school Centers for Education (ACE) program, which is funded by a grant from the Texas Education Association (TEA). The ACE grant is a five year grant which was implemented last year. The program, in its first year, won awards for the quality of leadership and the local programs being provided. At the end of the five year period, the grant may be renewed. Second through fifth grade students attend classes twice a week to learn about gardening and put their knowledge to practice through landscaping, vegetable gardening, composting, and beautifying the campus. During the first year of the program, a keyhole garden and raised bed were constructed. A rainwater collection tank was installed. A grant from Whole Kids will allow students to develop additional areas on campus to grow additional fruits, vegetables, herbs, and grains and be able to learn about even more methods of natural gardening.