Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary School

Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary School started its “Outdoor Garden Class” three years ago with just two teachers with a vision and two container beds. The garden has since become a symbol of unity for students, teachers, parents and community members. The “Outdoor Garden Class” presently has seven container beds and its once barren surroundings have been replaced with beautiful trees and outdoor seating. Students can tend the garden or sit to observe and learn about the vegetables they’ve studied and planted. We are proud to say that much has been accomplished a short period of time. Many ideas have been researched in order to make our garden the best in the school’s District. Actually, we are well on our way to reaching our goal. Our school’s garden placed third place in the District for the Fairchild Tropical Garden 2013-2014 School Challenge competition! We were awarded this honor because of our efforts to educate our students about gardening, healthy food choices and providing assistance to our community. We conducted parent workshops, fed the homeless and invited many presenters to provide workshops for our students, parents and teachers. We want to continue to teach our students to make real life connections as we sit at our garden tables. Our students are developing a deeper respect and appreciation for the earth that provides us the resources to grow vegetables, herbs, plants and fruit trees, the healthy foods that we eat. We are teaching our students and parents about fruits and vegetables that were once foreign to many of them. More importantly, they are developing healthy habits and attitudes that will last a lifetime.