Community Garden
A Brief History
The idea for this garden was conceived many years ago by parents of children attending the School. After an initial plan, it was developed further and then presented to the Parent Club, Pastoral Council, Faculty, Pastor, and School Board. There were two open town hall meetings to obtain the Parent's Community's input and the feedback was 100% positive, but the only concern was (and still is) the financing.
Benefits of the Garden: Prayer, Learning, Community
Purpose and Goals
The purpose of our Prayer, Learning, Community Garden will be an educational focus tied to daily curriculum. Nutrition and plant-to-food connections will be made with environmental awareness and education. Social aspects of gardening will be taught as well, such as leadership development, team building and community support. Math, science, literature, and social studies curriculum will be tied in to various lessons taught within the garden. The HSS faculty has developed a comprehensive list of topics which would use the garden to facilitate learning.
The Physical Education area will be used for both planned physical education curriculum and supervised, unmoderated play time. As the health of the American population deteriorates due to a more sedentary lifestyle, it is increasingly important that children are given ample opportunity to exercise. A quality physical education program not only promotes better health, but fosters optimal physical, mental, emotional, and social development. Notably, the new location of the physical education center will allow for consistent student access to the grassy area during recess and lunch that is currently accessible sporadically and highly dependent on parent volunteers that is unrealistic at this time. An added benefit is that the play area will serve as parking on the weekend for numerous church activities.
Our program will be for youth of all ages in our school, including fun activities to teach horticulture and environmental science concepts. A wide variety of sports and a motor perception program will also be taught. Children can get involved in exploring their world through meaningful activities that encourage leadership development, personal pride and responsibility, giving to others and community involvement. Older youth will be trained to become mentors for younger children. Youth involved in the program will develop critical thinking skills, and the ability to identify community concerns and take action to address them through individual group projects. The social and spiritual development, and learning and team-building skills acquired through the Learning Garden and Outdoor Physical EducationCenter will promote a lifetime of healthy, environmentally conscious and socially responsible citizens.
Current Progress
No luck with Grants to date. Willingness (parents' "sweat equity") to get started with basic plan and build from scratch. "Basic" means building raised planting beds, one per class.
Benefits of the Garden: Prayer, Learning, Community
- Learning: enhance current curriculum in science, food and nutrition, promote healthy eating and lifestyle, and sustainability. "Hands on" fun!
- Prayer: encourage and foster an outdoor prayer and reflection experience
- Community: promote social outreach opportunities and provide nutritious food for the needy in our community
Purpose and Goals
The purpose of our Prayer, Learning, Community Garden will be an educational focus tied to daily curriculum. Nutrition and plant-to-food connections will be made with environmental awareness and education. Social aspects of gardening will be taught as well, such as leadership development, team building and community support. Math, science, literature, and social studies curriculum will be tied in to various lessons taught within the garden. The HSS faculty has developed a comprehensive list of topics which would use the garden to facilitate learning.
The Physical Education area will be used for both planned physical education curriculum and supervised, unmoderated play time. As the health of the American population deteriorates due to a more sedentary lifestyle, it is increasingly important that children are given ample opportunity to exercise. A quality physical education program not only promotes better health, but fosters optimal physical, mental, emotional, and social development. Notably, the new location of the physical education center will allow for consistent student access to the grassy area during recess and lunch that is currently accessible sporadically and highly dependent on parent volunteers that is unrealistic at this time. An added benefit is that the play area will serve as parking on the weekend for numerous church activities.
Our program will be for youth of all ages in our school, including fun activities to teach horticulture and environmental science concepts. A wide variety of sports and a motor perception program will also be taught. Children can get involved in exploring their world through meaningful activities that encourage leadership development, personal pride and responsibility, giving to others and community involvement. Older youth will be trained to become mentors for younger children. Youth involved in the program will develop critical thinking skills, and the ability to identify community concerns and take action to address them through individual group projects. The social and spiritual development, and learning and team-building skills acquired through the Learning Garden and Outdoor Physical EducationCenter will promote a lifetime of healthy, environmentally conscious and socially responsible citizens.
Current Progress
- 2010 March - Begin construction (laying the groundwork). Seeking Parish and School Community support. That support will determine ho much of the plan can be accomplished at this time.
No luck with Grants to date. Willingness (parents' "sweat equity") to get started with basic plan and build from scratch. "Basic" means building raised planting beds, one per class.
- 2009-2010 - Exploring basic self-funded plan (planting beds only to start, est. $250 each)
- 2008-2009 - Tried expanded Grant opportunity "Grand Plan" (est. $450k)
- 2007-2008 - Tried Grant for entire PLC Garden/Landscape Plan (est. $80k)
Support for the Community Garden
There are many ways to support the Garden with your time, treasure, talent, and prayers! You can...
To follow progress with the Community Garden, click below.
Holy Spirit Fremont Prayer/Learning/Community Garden on Facebook
- Make a donation
- Purchase a planting bed at $250 with a Family Name (optional) for a commemorative nameplate
- Help with some "sweat equity"
- Lend your expertise on gardening, maintenance, construction, etc.
To follow progress with the Community Garden, click below.
Holy Spirit Fremont Prayer/Learning/Community Garden on Facebook
