Grandview Elementary School

Our first goal is to increase the garden's productivity. The food produced in the garden is eaten by the students, used in the cafeteria and sent home especially for our neediest students. With timely watering the garden would grow even more prolific harvests and provide more food for our children and their families, We also need replacement tools, replacements for worn out children's gloves and small garden carts so the students can move wood chips and mulch more independently.
Our second goal is to foster the integration of the garden into the curriculum. Currently the garden is only used two days a week for the five month New York State growing season. With the addition of seating and table space the teachers could come into the garden for many science, math, social studies and literacy activities. We would love to see the garden used as a teaching tool and inspiring learning environment. With the purchase of two picnic bench sets and a work table the use of the garden could be greatly expanded. A place of beauty and learning would have a significant inpact on a school that has so little and could become an enriching and inspiring environment. When the garden is closed for the winter we continue activities that foster good nutrition, indoor growing activities, nature study and environmental stewardship. This program also connects the garden to the curriculum in fun and creative ways.