The School Garden Tour at Irving Park Elementary May 4th, Sunday Afternoon

Lovely weather contributed to a big turn-out Sunday afternoon for the special 90^th anniversary celebration and school garden tour at Irving Park Elementary (IPE). In addition to cupcakes and lemonade, the afternoon was made even more delicious by Whole Foods Market Friendly Center’s fruit and veggie 

platters.

It wasn’t just adults enjoying the healthy snacks. Young people, familiar through their school garden and Chef’s Move to School tastings at IPE, made big inroads into the platters!

Students shared their garden beds, filled with plants now thriving in the warm weather, with their parents. Teachers attended also. Through workshops and lots of support from parent volunteers, they are enjoying using the gardens as outdoor learning centers more over time.

Below on the right is kindergarten teacher Ms. Hopkins (polka dots), who is very keen on gardening with her students. She says that it is one of her favorite ways to teach.

Superintendent Mo Green also toured the garden Sunday afternoon. IPE and Cone Elementary created a service leaning project called Seed Pals with their kindergarten and 1^st grade students this spring.

 Other interested teachers at schools with gardens are considering this model for their fall gardens.

Want to view another school garden?

 Jones Elementary hosts it Spring Fling this Friday May 9th with a garden tour start ing at 6pm until dusk!