[dropcap]C[/dropcap]hildren at Mamaroneck Avenue School, MAS, could learn science, health, environmental and nutrition lessons all year round if the school’s Community Garden gets enough votes to win a $10,000 outdoor classroom grant from Stanley Tools. Voting—which is open to all and can be done online—closes this Friday, July 29.
The MAS Community Garden is the first school-based community garden in the district. Started as a preschool pumpkin patch in 2001, it has grown into a thriving center of botanical learning, enabling students from all grades to plant seeds, learn about composting, and ultimately eat the fruits of their labor at the school’s annual Salad Celebration.
If selected, the funding will allow MAS to build a four-season greenhouse engineered to be heated from composting energy during the colder months. A pergola will be built for shaded study during hot weather and during the school’s summer Co-op Camp. Compost bins and several raised beds would round out this project, offering STEAM programs and healthy fruits and vegetables to more than 700 students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
“The garden is a crucial center for learning at MAS, and applies to both students’ school work and to their lives—not only do they get lessons in practical botany, they see exactly where food comes from and are encouraged to taste new things, which can help set up healthy habits for life,” said Alli Margoshes, of the PTA Garden Committee. “With this new outdoor classroom, we could really build upon this program, which has already borne so much fruit—and vegetables!“
Help MAS win this grant. Vote and then share with friends and family, as anyone, anywhere can vote. Vote now by visiting wshe.es/zp83Mzwt. (Submitted)
