Hyannis West Elementary

My childrens' elementary school received a $1000 grant from a local church with the suggestion to start a school garden. As a Master Gardener and mom, I jumped at the chance to help get it going. After applying for and receiving a subsequent $2000 grant from Whole Kids Foundation, we were able to create a beautiful outdoor classroom with 11 raised beds (more coming), a worm composter, compost area, rain barrel, small shed and a sink for rinsing.

Hyannis West is a unique K-3 elementary school within the district of Barnstable.  With 91% of students receiving free or reduced lunch, 31% speaking a language other than English, and 10% homeless, it is not a typical Cape Cod school. A large number of students don't have an outdoor area to play and explore. This garden has been a haven for children to safely explore nature and its processes.

Many of these students are part of the 21rst Century after-school program, most of whom helped plant the first seeds of the garden. Eight classroom teachers took advantage of the garden as well. They planted vegetable seeds with their students, watered them and watched them grow. They loved eating the fruits of their labor--for most, it was the first time eating something they grew. One class planted a butterfly garden and released painted lady butterflies after watching them hatch from their cocoons. Already, so much learning has occurred.

My hope is to work out some kind of program where ALL the students of Hyannis West get to garden. This means building more beds and getting more volunteers involved. I'm also looking into extending the growing season by installing some hoops with plastic covers.

As this is only the first year, there are many possiblities that lie ahead!