G.R.O.W
Environmental Education
Dear G.R.O.W. Community,
As we approach winter break, we reflect on an exciting and productive season filled with learning, growth, and hands-on experiences. While we look forward to some well-deserved rest, we’re also eager to continue our journey with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as we wrap up our Project-Based Learning (PBL) project in January. Stay tuned for updates as we finish this fantastic collaboration!
Mark Your Calendars!
January 16th & 17th: We are thrilled to welcome the Pierce County Noxious Weed Board to our school! This year, they’ll present to every grade level, building on the success of last year’s presentation for our CTE class. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience for all of our students.
Looking Back:
December 5th & 6th: Winter brought frosty beauty to our garden! Our youngest students explored the frost-covered grounds, discussing the Winter Solstice and sharing family traditions. Afterward, they created glittery snowflake art now displayed on our bulletin board, accompanied by affirmations to brighten our dark, cold Washington days.
Middle School Highlights: Students worked diligently on our worm bins, preparing them for reproduction by adding cardboard and paper. They also designed posters for classroom worm buckets, part of our Garbology and Vermiculture program inspired by Mr. Misely. This initiative is turning food waste into rich humus while reducing our school’s waste—a wonderful example of sustainability in action.
December 12th & 13th: Clare and the DNR team returned for a week of discovery and learning about natural resource management:
Younger Students: Explored the importance of our environment and brainstormed interpretive signs for the rain garden trail. PreK, TK and Kindergarten contributed to trail maintenance, learning about care and upkeep.
Grades 1-3: Discussed signage ideas for the trail to Saraha Creek on DNR land, working toward a trailhead marker to educate our community about this beloved area.
Middle School: Partnered with DNR foresters Jakob and Gretchen, who taught them how to assess forest plots using tools like borers and specialized measuring tapes. The hands-on experience was a big hit!
The Week Before Winter Break: Classes revisited Vermiculture, discussing why it’s beneficial for our school. Students reviewed what Red Wiggler Worms can and cannot eat and created signs for classroom worm buckets, which will be introduced in January.
A Big Thank You! We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported our G.R.O.W. Amazon Wishlist. Thanks to your generosity:
We now have a share fridge near the lunch line to reduce waste and help students in need.
New gloves, a boot cleaner, and twine for our raspberry plants have enhanced our resources.
Garden Club Update: Our next meeting will be held on Friday, January 10th, at 2:30 PM in Room 106. We’ll start indoors before heading to the garden. We hope to see you there!
As we say goodbye to 2024, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year. Here’s to another year of exploration, growth, and discovery in 2025. See you next year!
Warmly,
Ms. Brown
