Claypit hill school building its database of garden/compost volunteers

please email Deane Coady if you are willing to help periodically in the Claypit hill school gardens. Deane’s email is deane_coady@wayland.k12.ma.us

The organic vegetable and fruit gardens have become an integral part of our school.  Here is what Robbin Rossi, second grade teacher, says about the gardens:

“I could not have predicted what a big part the gardens would…. play in our school or how inspiring they would be…..working on this common project has pulled students together….students have gotten to know each other across grades…students have learned about diversity through the plants….the beauty of the garden has made a splash at school and in the community…groups of students choose to work independently in the garden area during recess….students’ eye open wide at the site of the matured fruits and vegetables. ”

A former fifth grader reported:  “it is a good thing this school has a garden because first off we get to eat some of this lovely food so we don’t always eat processed food.  Second, most of the food goes to Parmenter (and a family shelter in Framingham) – a good cause.  that is why it is important to have a garden at our school.”

 

 

 

Seeking Families to Care for Claypit Hill Garden Over Summer

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Would you consider signing up for one week during the summer to care for the garden? No experience needed, just a willingness to stop by the garden a few times in the week to water, weed, and/or pick.

Here is the link to check out the weeks available and to consider signing up.

CHS Summer Garden Care

Thank you
Deane Coady and Molly Faulkner
CHS Organic Garden Coordinators
Wayland Green Team

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Recycle Textiles at the Schools and Support the PTO

IMG_20150429_140814The Wayland PTO Green Team has partnered with Bay State Textiles to promote textile recycling and generate rebates for the PTO by hosting donation boxes at every school and at the Wayland Transfer Station.

Over 520 million pounds of textiles are disposed of at incinerators or landfills each year in Massachusetts, of which 95% can be reused or recycled. Turn your unwanted clothing, backpacks, shoes and linens into revenue for the Wayland PTO.

Donated items are accepted in any condition as long as they are clean and dry. Bay State Textiles takes “the good, the bad and the ugly.” Visit www.baystatetextiles.com for a list of acceptable items. A good rule of thumb: if you can wear it, it’s an acceptable item.

Thank you for Fundraiser at Whole Foods 5% Day

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The Wayland Schools PTO Green Team wants to thank Whole Foods in Wayland for granting us our second 5% day on March 3, and the shoppers at the store for supporting this PTO fundraiser. We received 5% of the net sales which came to $2950!

The Whole Foods 5% Day is the single largest fundraiser for the Wayland PTO Green Team and this year was no different.

The  Green Team will use these funds to continue better recycling and composting in the schools and to ensure that every student has an opportunity to experience both the work and the bounty of a school garden.  Happy Hollow now sports a rebuilt and much expanded garden near their playground – thanks to these new funds. Kids love to eat the fresh produce their gardens provide and learn to become better stewards of our planet.

In the picture: Green Teamers coming to help wit the bagging: Andrea Case with daughter, Amie Ghosh, and Happy Hollow teacher Deborah Niles.

Happy Hollow Garden Invites Help With Fencing and Watering

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History of the Garden. For the last three years, Happy Hollow School had a five bed raised bed garden next to the parking lot, where it was challenged by browsing deer that could not be fenced out because of proximity to the wetlands, and snow that was plowed onto it from the staff parking lot.

A new garden was built in April 2015 on the other side of the school by a team of student, parent and teacher volunteers.  It receives great sun and actually sees the first snow melt in Spring. It is away from parking (but still permits overflow parking).  As it is more accessible from the playground and more visible from the street, it will enjoy more student/staff and parent involvement.

Fencing. That spot will also allow the building of a deer fence and we are inviting the community’s help on that. Do you want to help, do you have expertise, please let Deborah Niles know.

Watering. Happy Hollow installed a large tote that captures rain water from the roof of the small shed near the garden. This catchment system will allow the gardens to be irrigated without relying on town water.  We can no longer rely on the rains to gently and regularly water the plants and need volunteers to help us keep the plants happy . Please let Deborah Niles know if you would like to help.

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