How do we say thank you to the grantees, sponsors, parents, volunteers, community members, teachers, and staff, which helped build a $45,000 outdoor classroom and learning garden? There are so many to thank that we decided to have a Garden Gala. The purpose was to provide the opportunity for the invested parties to see the finished garden hear first-hand how the students and teachers have embraced this new classroom.
Benton’s Backyard is the school’s outdoor classroom and learning garden. It contains raised cedar beds, vegetables, rain barrels, a pergola, bubbling rock, fruit trees, bird bath, bird feeders, and, of course, students. This amazing space would not have been possible without vision, hard work, persistence, and support.
With deep appreciation, we created an 8” x 10” picture collage and hand-written thank you notes from our students to present to our guests. Once everyone had arrived, our principal shared words of gratitude and invited one of our teachers to share the different ways her class has utilized Benton’s Backyard. Two students from each grade level shared what they liked about the outdoor classroom and learning garden.
One sixth grader had this to say to our supporters, “Without all your help, Benton’s Backyard would not be possible. My favorite parts of Benton’s Backyard are the garden beds. We can plant many vegetables and some fruits, too. The best thing about them is that we get to eat everything we plant! I’d like to have a whole day of school outside and maybe we can do math and other subjects out here, toe. I am so happy we have the Benton’s Backyard. It will be so much fun to use it this year. Thank you for making the Benton’s Backyard possible.”
Words so sweet and pure; I welled up with tears as she spoke! Next, the guests watched an amazing presentation by three second grade boys. They donated $139.00 to Benton’s Backyard. Instead of birthday presents, the boys asked their birthday party guest to give cash gifts that they could donate to the school. To me, this shows how much the children love and appreciate their outdoor space. They enjoy taking school outside, digging in the garden, planting, and harvesting. Benton’s Backyard had indeed enriched their school day and learning. Moreover, it is affecting their character as well.
How does one say thank you? With the sweet and pure words of the kids!
If you have the desire to build a learning garden at your school, please let Nutrients for Life Foundation know. We are happy to help you get started!
E-mail: info@nutrientsforlife.org
Read more about classroom gardens in our Learning Garden blog series:
Learning Garden 16: From the Learning Garden to the Cafeteria
Learning Garden 15: Plant a Seed and Watch It Grow
Learning Garden 14: How Do You Say Thank You
Learning Garden 13: First Harvest
Learning Garden 12: Teach the Teacher
Learning Garden 11: Planting Day
Learning Garden 10: How Does Your School’s Garden Grow?
Learning Garden 9: Rain Barrels
Learning Garden 8: Plant Selection
Learning Garden 7: Raised Beds
Learning Garden 4: Designing the Garden
