Ecker Hill Middle School

Our goal: Ecker Hill Middle School is planning on developing and maintaining a school garden as an integral part of the school grounds. This opportunity will give students practical experience on what it takes to grow fresh produce during Park City's growing season.
Gardening and plant-based learning allows students hands-on discovery. Gardening can be both stimulating and calming. The school garden environment offers a unique platform to help kids achieve learning goals that are recommended by the National Science Standards and our state and local educational bodies.
Outcomes from involving students in a school garden program include: Increased scientific knowledge and understanding. Greater awareness of seasons and correlating food production. Use of wider vocabulary, numeracy and verbal skills. Development of physical skills, including fine motor skills. A sense of responsibility, positive behaviors, resilience and self-esteem. Positive attitudes towards healthy food choices

Working in a school garden allows students to use intellectual, emotional and social interactions. Things must be measured, arranged, planned and cared for. The results can yield gratifying ramifications.

The Ecker Hill Garden Project will be the first of it's kind in the Park City School District. By providing an opportunity for our students, faculty, staff and families to participate in a school garden, we are helping educate our students about sustainability, growing food locally, and conservation. The school garden will provide many opportunities for students and faculty to incorporate core curriculum and community service. Our goal is to create a lasting tradition in which all may participate.

The funds from the Whole Kids Foundation grant would help us to purchase the necessary tools needed to implement and maintain the garden. Currently we have space, donated wood and purchased corner posts. We will use volunteers to put the beds together and fill them. Once the beds are in place, it will be necessary to have our own tools to keep the garden going.