How Green Can We Grow?
Last year the Nelson School PTO and members of the Nelson School staff worked collaboratively to identify needs and/or long term projects at Nelson School. After considerable brainstorming and careful deliberation, the decision was made to work with the land which would include beautifying the school, planting a school garden, and the acquisition of a small green house. April's auction of 2011 generated $6,928.50 for the PTO and a portion of this money was allocated to the greenhouse project which we realized would be a multiple year endeavor.
In the winter of 2010, the staff generated a three to five year plan that began with the building, planting and maintenance of flower boxes to both beautify the school as well as to share with the community. Using grant money, the materials for this project were purchased and five flower boxes were constructed by Don Carlisle and his father Dale. In late spring, the staff of Nelson School researched plantings that would thrive in the established location, spent a staff meeting at the local nursery choosing plants, and the students planted them before heading off for summer vacation. The flower boxes required little maintenance over the summer, and when we returned in the fall, the flowers were cut and vases sent to the Town Offices. It is our intent that in years to come, flower vases will also be shared with the church, library, and community members.
During our second year, we will continue with our efforts to beautify the school and are hoping to plant day lilies on the perimeter of the chain link fence. This fall the town generously supplied us with daffodil bulbs which the children enjoyed planting. We have a composting program in place and will be using our rich humus to fortify our plantings in the spring of 2012. Our next step is to grow pumpkins on the hill and establish a small school garden from which the students will be able to pick lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and beans that will enhance the school lunch program.
Once each of these steps has been established and becomes sustainable, we look forward to the acquisition of a small greenhouse in which students will plant flats of flowers and vegetables to sell to the community for their spring garden needs. We know that each of these activities create real world learning opportunities for students in the areas of mathematics and science.
We envision working hand in hand with members of the community as this multi-year project evolves and we intend to bring in speakers and those with expertise to help guide us to make our dreams possible.
