William C. Abney Academy
Project Description:
Each classroom was provided with a paper recycling bin. Previously, the school had no paper recycling system, so most of it was thrown away. Classroom teachers introduced the program with lessons on taking care of the earth. The long-term goal of this project is for students to take steps towards increased civic responsibility and stewardship.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
Students now better understand recycling and items that can and should be recycled. Students also learned about the recycling system for paper and how paper can be recycled and created into more paper.
Teachers:
2
Students:
320
Funder:
GVSU College of Education
Project Description:
Each week, both 4th grade classrooms had the opportunity to spend an hour in the school garden. During that time, students collaborated in small groups to weed a portion of the garden or plant a section according to specific guidelines (i.e. planting three rows of radishes, each hole two inches apart and ½ inch deep, and each row twelve inches apart). There were also visits from Urban Roots, one of our community partners, who came to work with each class multiple times to teach them about the science of soil, planting, and how to use specific garden tools like a rake and garden hoe.
Our students greatly enjoyed this new experience and soaked up the new knowledge they were given. They grew in grit and collaboration as they watched the sprouts pop through the soil they had carefully cultivated and weeded. They took pride and ownership in their garden and talked about it often with staff and students throughout the school. Additionally, every student throughout the school became connected to the garden through our Visual Arts class where garden signs and rocks were painted.
Our 4th grade teachers also incorporated the garden into their ELA writing assignments, poetry units, and science curriculum throughout the school year. The bonding and community that was created through this project was invaluable. We are very much looking forward to our celebration at the end of the school year where we can harvest and eat our produce.
Fostering Lifelong Stewardship:
The Abney Way Garden was used to support positive school culture and climate by exhibiting "The Abney Way" every time students were learning in the garden. This was done by helping to support a positive learning environment that fostered independence, self-motivation and a drive to become life-long learners. Our Abney Scholars developed leadership skills, team working strategies, and grit while being given responsibility for a large project. As educators, it was a beautiful thing to see our students not only grow academically but socially and emotionally as well.
Partners:
Urban Roots, WMEAC
Teachers:
2
Students:
40
Funder:
GVSU College of Education
Showcase Video:
https://youtu.be/tlFN5fj3pAM