Robert Semple Elementary School

A grant from Whole Kids will help build a school culture that embraces the joy of growing food on the grounds, and creates an easy way for teachers to meet Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The garden embodies CCSS requirements with meaningful real-world connections with teaching objectives in English, science, math, art, history in a living classroom environment.

To engage the larger community, Robert Semple Garden Club will maximize the resources of community partners such as BCG (grass roots urban farming advocates) HCK, Inc., (nutrition education) and the ECH2O Academy at the local high school that focuses on training students for careers in sustainable practices.

Semple, a Title I school, serves the largest percentage of low-income families in Benicia. Whole Kids funding will afford teachers, volunteers and administrators the tools, materials and support needed to overcome current physical and financial barriers to a thriving garden program.