Small Courtyard Beautification

Tons of work has been done in the small courtyard over the past month.  A special thanks to Joelle Hawkins and Denise Dunn for everything they have done to make this space so special, peaceful, and chock full of educational opportunities! 

 

 

 The new work included:

-Five raised beds with flowers and vegetables planted

-Each bed has a theme, such as rainbow garden, plants with animal names, and sensory learning

-Sod planted and new student and teacher benches installed for the class learning area

-Weather station refurbished

-Encroaching weeds and vines trimmed back

-A large rock reading/sitting circle encompasses the dogwood tree

-Bird houses donated from the girls scouts

-Fish pond cleared and feeding schedule established (thank you to Mrs. Shoop's class)

-The fennel (which is a host for butterflies) had 2 caterpillars "nesting".

 

 

 A calendar has been posted at the entrance to the small courtyard for teachers to sign up for a specific time for their classes to use it.  The second graders have already found it to be the perfect place to release the butterflies they have been observing in their classrooms!

 

Students that use the small courtyard should not step in any of the raised beds or inside of the rocks that border the pond.  Also, please do not throw anything (rocks, mulch, leaves) into the pond.  Thank you for helping keep our small courtyard nice.  We are so proud of both of our newly refurbished courtyards!  

Large Courtyard Volunteer Day

 

We capped off Earth week with a FANTASTIC volunteer day in our large courtyard on Sunday, April 27th.  Our student Environmental Cabinet and their teacher leader Lynn Johnson, along with other student and parent volunteers, came out to spend the morning weeding and planting as we continue to rehabilitate and beautify our large courtyard.  Gorgeous weather, donuts, and hot chocolate were enjoyed by all.  Thanks to Dunkin' Donuts on Hull Street for their donation of two dozen donuts.

Supplies including garden soil, hoses, and fittings were donated by Lowe's at Parham and Brook Roads with the assistance of CHES parent Mark Bowers.  Thank you Lowes!

Under the guidance of Master Gardener, CHES parent, and Woodlake Environmental Committee liaison Natalie Perry, bags and bags of weeds were cleared, and dozens of native plants were planted in beds and in the salvaged boat planters that were set in place last Fall.  The ultimate vision is a learning courtyard that demonstrates native and specifically Jamestown plantings. 

Our efforts were entered into a contest called "Get Caught in a Beautiful Act" sponsored by Keep Virginia Beautiful.  You can see other similar efforts across the state showcased on their website.

http://keepvirginiabeautiful.org/programs/get-caught/

There is more to do--our sign post needs to be finished, our rain barrels need to be installed, and our boats need to be labeled, but we got a lot done.  A huge "thank you" goes out to Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Johnson, and the student Environmental Cabinet, as well as all of the volunteers that came out to work!  




Environmental Cabinet with Mrs. Johnson

Mrs. Perry talking about the importance of native plants.



Earth Day is Coming!

We're getting ready for Earth Day, April 22nd, at Clover Hill.  Our student Environmental Cabinet and parent volunteers have been hard at work maintaining our Terracycle and Clothing to Cash recycling drives. 

Our students are cleaning out their closets and passing the word around to collect used textiles for our clothing drive, which will not only ensure those items are recycled but will raise money for our school.  Remember, the bin is only in place until April 25th, so don't wait too long!

The week of Earth Day, students will include a daily "Go Green" tip in the morning announcements. 

And finally, we'll be holding a volunteer workday on Sunday April 27th for our courtyard restoration project.  We need help with clearing, weeding, planting, building, trimming, etc.  Bring your gardening gloves and tools and help us beautify our courtyards so our students can take advantage of this great asset!

Sign up here:

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0D4BAEAF2B0-courtyard