2008-2009 Annual Report by REAL School Gardens

table

letter

contents

from

j e a n n e m c c a r t y , Executive Director

iii. — iv.

t r i b u t e to s u z a n n e r a l l p e a c o c k : r e m e m b e r i n g s u z y nurturing a good idea : how real school gardens began

g o a l s and a c h i e v e m e n t s : r e a c h i n g for the s k y and g r o w i n g l i k e

weed

vii. — viii.

m i g u e l ’ s s t o r y : a c h a n c e to b l o s s o m serving those who need it most goals

ix.

and

achievements : digging in

xi. — xii.

d av i d ’s st o ry : f ro m n e w grow t h c o m e n e w m e t h o d s o u r c o r e va l u e s results

xiii. and

sustainability

xiv. — xv.

s t a t e m e n t of a c t i v i t i e s s t a t e m e n t of f i n a n c i a l p o s i t i o n

xvii. — xviii.

east fort worth montessori academy’s story : lear ning tak es flight c l a r e wa l k e r l e s l i e’s st o ry : a b o u n t i f u l m i n d growing

xix.

the

community : planting roots

xxi. — xxii.

b r i a n ’ s s t o r y : t h e r o o t of the p r o b l e m r e f u g e e s e r v i c e s ’ s t o r y : f r e s h f o o d for f r e s h f a c e s

xxiii.

partnerships

xxv.— xxvi.

how

donate

xxvii. — xxvix.

d o n o r s and c o n t r i b u t o r s a w a r d s and r e c o g n i t i o n s t a f f and b o a r d of d i r e c t o r s

letter

from the

executive director

o the Friends and Supporters of REAL School Gardens, the other day I watched as my one-year-old son pressed his small face against the window pane of our back door and shouted, “Bird, bird!” The

fervor behind his actions told me that he did not merely want to go outdoors; he needed to be there, surrounded by nature.

Just like my young son needs nature, so too do the 33,600 children whom REAL School Gardens served this year in North Texas. By building dynamic outdoor classrooms and training teachers to use them as living laboratories, we ensure children daily access to the many learning opportunities afforded by nature that transform them from passive students to active learners. Meanwhile, as the garden becomes deeply embedded into the school’s culture and community, the campus itself transforms into a vibrant place where children grow happier, healthier and smarter. As REAL School Gardens closes its first full year as an independent, 501 (c) 3 organization, we look back on many wonderful transformations. For the first time, our team led four elementary school partners through a community design process involving more than 1,126 children, parents and educators. We witnessed drab school grounds transform into vibrant learning gardens, engaged 430 educators at two professional development events and brought together 812 community members at four REAL People Networking Events. We celebrated statewide recognition for our collective work, as Keep Texas Beautiful presented its Sadie Ray Graff Awards to educator Kerry Renta, Westcliff Elementary School and REAL School Gardens. In the gardens themselves, children underwent transformations too, in their attitudes toward learning, their understanding of nature and their vision of the world around them. In this report, you can read the moving stories of three such children – Miguel, David and Brian – whose transformations testify to the critical importance of our work. I invite you to get involved too. Come visit one of our school gardens, and you may witness a child’s discovery of life cycles, observe an after-school garden meeting or help harvest the season’s sweet peppers. It takes everyone – our staff team, educators, parents, partners and supporters like you – to give children the connection to nature they so desperately need. I hope this year’s annual report speaks to everyone’s contributions, as we change the world – one child, one community, one

school garden at a time. Sincerely,

Jeanne McCarty e x e c u ti v e d ir ec t or

Aloe Vera

Barbados Aloe

In the garden, children learn that plants are powerful, like the succulent aloe vera, which has the power to sooth and to heal.

Looking ahead : Alice Carlson ApMax plied Learning Cen

ter

goals

and

achievements

ur mission is an important and timely one – to cultivate relationships with elementary school ring communities Suzy.to create learning gardens Remembe that raise hope, spark imaginations and connect children to nature.

Suzanne Rall Peacock REAL School Gardens Cofounder and Board Member March 14, 1944 – October 3, 2009 Each year, REAL School Gardens sets ambitious goals. After all, the more school gardens

Reaching for the Sky.

most unlikethrough we establish, the more young hearts andwas minds we willBut nurture nature. Even as we a dreamer. Peacock Suzy “doer.” focused on our organization’s a remain was alsowe Suzy expand our programming to“dreamers,” reach more students,

mission by working toward the following key goals: photo credit : Matthew Rainwater

In 1992, she and Richard Rainwater teamed up

o u r fo u r k e y g o a l s

to help children in urban communities have a

Help elementary schools create, support and sustain school gardens better chance to live a good life. A few years later, REAL School Gardens was

so children connect with nature in engaging, nurturing and inspirational ways. born and Suzy’s vision to enrich the lives of children was well on its way to becoming a reality.

Suzy believed

Encourage the use of school gardens to support children’s learning of skills, andtocontent while immersing them the natural it world. experience to in into life was embed learning the best way that processes

outdoors. So one school at a time, Suzy, along with a devoted REAL School Gardens create learning to families and partners teachers, parents Fosterwith a cooperative spirit among schools, and the surrounding team, worked together nature. connect children andinvolvement through withtoschool gardens. spark imaginations gardens that raise hope, community thousands of children and educators in tens ofnetwork Thanks to her tireless Create adedication, vibrant, sharing of educators and partners who commit by their school to the unique North Texas have access to putting schoollearning gardensexperiences at the heartafforded of urban neighborhoods. gardens. Her legacy deserves our celebration.

Growing Like a Weed.

Partnering with dozens of schools in North Texas, Suzy touched thousands of lives and helped to create a rock path steady and strong. If she were here now, she would direction thea same walk hold hands Our of focused carefully craftedtostrategy hasand paid off in with six-year track record of success to the quiet, listen us to and ask each Gardens. for national expansion. This year, we installed four School REAL the mission to continue in northern Texas of and a firm foundation

new school gardens, all located in Tarrant County, Texas.

We will, Suzy. Your spirit and example will be in our hearts, always.

t h e fo u r ne w s cho o l ga r d e ns

Birdville Elementary School, March 28 Hubbard Heights Elementary School, April 4 David E. Smith Elementary School, April 18 Veda Knox Elementary School, May 16

Aloe Vera

Barbados Aloe

In the garden, children learn that plants are powerful, like the succulent aloe vera, which has the power to sooth and to heal.

Nurturing a good idea. How REAL School Gardens began. REAL School Gardens began in 2003 because of teachers’ increasing interest in using the outdoors to engage children in learning, particularly those students most at risk of being denied nature’s valuable lessons.

They believed then, and we still believe today, that hands-on, experiential learning − particularly in the outdoors − is the most effective instructional practice available and a valuable way to increase parent and community involvement in schools.

the first REAL school garden Sam Rosen Elementary School est. 2003 4.

Looking ahead : Alice Carlson ApMax plied Learning Cen

ter

goals

and

achievements

ur mission is an important and timely one – to cultivate relationships with elementary school communities to create learning gardens that raise hope, spark imaginations and connect children to nature.

Reaching for the Sky. Each year, REAL School Gardens sets ambitious goals. After all, the more school gardens we establish, the more young hearts and minds we will nurture through nature. Even as we expand our programming to reach more students, we remain focused on our organization’s mission by working toward the following key goals: o u r fo u r k e y g o a l s

Help elementary schools create, support and sustain school gardens so children connect with nature in engaging, nurturing and inspirational ways. Encourage the use of school gardens to support children’s learning of skills, processes and content while immersing them in the natural world. Foster a cooperative spirit among schools, families and the surrounding community through involvement with school gardens. Create a vibrant, sharing network of educators and partners who commit to putting school gardens at the heart of urban neighborhoods.

Growing Like a Weed. Our focused and carefully crafted strategy has paid off with a six-year track record of success in northern Texas and a firm foundation for national expansion. This year, we installed four new school gardens, all located in Tarrant County, Texas. t h e fo u r ne w s cho o l ga r d e ns

Birdville Elementary School, March 28 Hubbard Heights Elementary School, April 4 David E. Smith Elementary School, April 18 Veda Knox Elementary School, May 16

Helianthus Annuus Sunf low er

Just like young minds, sunflowers can grow to mammoth proportions. These hearty plants and eager children realize that the sky is the limit in a REAL school garden.

n : Sophia ary School i g n i g g i D r Element a i r b n e e r G

IX.

goals

and

achievements

J Digging In. Like all living things, school gardens require a nurturing hand to survive and flourish. learning . opportunities to more than 33,000 children and nearly to blossom chancenature-centered A Bringing

2,000 educators is a big job â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and REAL School Gardens has been doing this successfully for six years. Each year, we provide the following services to our school partners:

Gar den Support Miguel Sanchez, age 8

t hat giv es school gar dens a chance t o t hr iv e

School partners benefit from community-driven garden design and installation; year-round eventually years, Miguel in three community schools guidance; andfour maintenance outreach assistance; and permanent attending After planting day, Oneand Worth. Fort inclusion inElementary the network School to ensurein their future success sustainability. landed at Greenbriar while pounding away at clumps of dirt in the garden, Miguel confided dirt offor the clumps Hitting director: program ol our in his after-scho THIS YEAR staff made 127 visits to partnering schools garden support. reminded him of what his father did to his mother every day.

P ro f e s s i o n al De v elo pment and Netwo r k ing t hat open door for educat or s t o innovat e also provided his sstory tragic, While heartbreaking and n, the program that informatio Withdevelopment of sunshine. a ray Six annual professional opportunities, expert presentations and model-teaching Miguel who helped tors school administra lessons help educators to integrate gardens into their core curriculum. school director alerted receive much-needed counseling.

Four yearly networking events nurture a vibrant community.

Thanks to counseling and continued time in the garden, Miguel underwent a profound transformation. He became more involved

Throughout the year, our Educator visits schools, teaches in gardens and shows educators

in school, started opening up to teachers and friends and began and students a glimpse at what is possible when Mother Nature holds class. spending every spare minute working in the garden.

THIS YEAR we engaged 430 participants in professional development focused on outdoor

That day, the garden provided a sanctuary for a little boy to learning and brought together 812 participants at dynamic networking events. reveal his deepest secrets, reminding us that natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s power is

We also conducted 25 garden integration model teaching visits, providing expertise to show 169 educators and 3,949 students what can be learned in the outdoor classroom.

truly awe-inspiring.

Co mmu nity B u ild ing t hat giv es r ise t o a cooper ativ e spir it

Parents and community members serve as volunteers, supporters and partners in creating and sustaining the gardens year-round. We foster a cooperative spirit that helps to sustain school gardens in the long term. THIS YEAR 1,126 individuals from schools, families and local communities played an active role in the design and installation of our four new gardens.

Helianthus Annuus Sunf low er

Just like young minds, sunflowers can grow to mammoth proportions. These hearty plants and eager children realize that the sky is the limit in a REAL school garden.

Serving Those Who Need It Most. While we strive to bring life-changing outdoor learning opportunities to as many children as possible, we also aim to reach the children who have the least daily access to nature. The majority of the students we serve are:

1. Low-income

elementary students aged four to 11

in urban areas,

2. Less

likely to have daily access to nature based on where

they live and

3. Classified

as â&#x20AC;&#x153;at-riskâ&#x20AC;? due to their familiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; income

level and language barriers. We select elementary school partners that exhibit these key factors for success:

Strong leadership,

a ophA icommitment olto n2.: S o i h g c n S i g y r g i a D ent and r Elemcurriculum a i r b n e e r G 3. A

integrating the garden into the

focus on parental and community involvement.

IX.

goals

and

achievements

J Digging In. Like all living things, school gardens require a nurturing hand to survive and flourish. Bringing nature-centered learning opportunities to more than 33,000 children and nearly 2,000 educators is a big job â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and REAL School Gardens has been doing this successfully for six years. Each year, we provide the following services to our school partners:

Gar den Support

t hat giv es school gar dens a chance t o t hr iv e

School partners benefit from community-driven garden design and installation; year-round planting and maintenance guidance; community outreach assistance; and permanent inclusion in the network to ensure their future success and sustainability. THIS YEAR our staff made 127 visits to partnering schools for garden support.

P ro f e s s i o n al De v elo pment and Netwo r k ing t hat open door s for educat or s t o innovat e

Six annual professional development opportunities, expert presentations and model-teaching lessons help educators to integrate school gardens into their core curriculum. Four yearly networking events nurture a vibrant community. Throughout the year, our Educator visits schools, teaches in gardens and shows educators and students a glimpse at what is possible when Mother Nature holds class. THIS YEAR we engaged 430 participants in professional development focused on outdoor learning and brought together 812 participants at dynamic networking events. We also conducted 25 garden integration model teaching visits, providing expertise to show 169 educators and 3,949 students what can be learned in the outdoor classroom.

Co mmu nity B u ild ing t hat giv es r ise t o a cooper ativ e spir it

Aeshna Grandis

Brown Hawk er Dr agonf ly

When children enter school gardens, their learning takes flight in unpredictable ways.

an be c m o o r s s la what a c entary School f o g n i Dream Smith Elem David E.

XIII.

results

and

sustainability

2 hrough REAL School Gardens, children become better students, better learners, better friends, better citizens and, ultimately better grown-ups – and teachers become better teachers.

Boosting Academic Achievement. David Robinson, age 9

School District in 2003, students’ science scores at our partner schools were at the district average.

Many of us avoid products with labels that read “assembly required.”

In 2008, those same schools scored more than eleven points higher than the district average.

Just reading the instructions can be daunting. It’s no wonder then

“I can’t believe that the children exhibit such vast knowledge. Even at such a young age the students knew so much about what they are doing and why. Thank you for this experience.”

that a teacher from Veda Knox Elementary School was taken aback by

the performance of one student during the construction of a shed in their REAL school garden.

Ta m e k a Lane, Shr e v eport, Louisiana af t er visiting a r eal school gar den

The student, David, was reading the instructions quietly, digesting

Cultivating Character.

the information and then efficiently delegating tasks to his 15

classmates. Earlier in the year, David had failed the reading portion Skills (TAKS) andpositively Knowledge of outdoor the Texas Assessment of Gardening activities and time impacttest. the growth and development of the

whole child, nurturing creativity and imagination, instilling environmental stewardship this student, who had struggled teacher’s theand Imagine lessons teachingsurprise essentialwhen life skills, such as teamwork, leadership and responsibility. in reading all year, was not only reading the assembly manual but

“As students tend the garden, they learn that as a plant needs certain things to thrive and survive, so do they.”

implementing the instructions while managing a team of his peers.

The teacher learned a valuable lesson from David. He now uses hands-on,

reading and takes advantage learning experiential C a ro l i napproaches e H i l l , Eto duteach cat o r , Mor ningside Elementary School of the teachable moments in his school garden.

Fostering Healthy Lifestyles. With childhood obesity on the rise, school gardens emphasize healthy lifestyles and nutrition, 11. – many for the while giving students access to regular, invigorating outdoor activity. Children

first time – see, touch and care for the plants, which in turn will nourish their young bodies. “When I grow up, I want to be a gardener. I want to grow vegetables and fruits.”

Fif t h - G r a d e S tu dent wit h a REAL school gar den

Aeshna Grandis

Brown Hawk er Dr agonf ly

When children enter school gardens, their learning takes flight in unpredictable ways.

Our Core Values. 1. We

serve children within a SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY.

2. We

serve children in an atmosphere of INVITATION AND

HOSPITALITY.

3. We

serve children within a belief that EACH INDIVIDUAL

HAS A GIFT TO BRING.

4. We

serve children through a process of RESPECTFUL LISTENING.

5. We

serve children by promoting the FREEDOM TO CREATE.

6. We

serve children by supporting the value of

TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCES.

7. We

serve children through a process of REFLECTING ON

EXPERIENCE.

8. We

serve children by expressing our RESPECT AND GRATITUDE.

9. We

serve children by CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE.

10. We

serve children through a commitment to ENVIRONMENTAL

STEWARDSHIP.

11. We

serve children within a spirit of EMBRACING THE JOURNEY.

12. We

serve children by honoring the POWER OF THE HEART.

12.

an be c m o o r s s la what a c entary School f o g n i Dream Smith Elem David E.

XIII.

results

and

sustainability

2 hrough REAL School Gardens, children become better students, better learners, better friends, better citizens and, ultimately better grown-ups – and teachers become better teachers.

Boosting Academic Achievement.

School gardens are three-dimensional textbooks that reinforce, extend and bring to life what children are learning indoors. When we began our programming in the Fort Worth Independent School District in 2003, students’ science scores at our partner schools were at the district average. In 2008, those same schools scored more than eleven points higher than the district average. “I can’t believe that the children exhibit such vast knowledge. Even at such a young age the students knew so much about what they are doing and why. Thank you for this experience.”

Ta m e k a Lane, Shr e v eport, Louisiana af t er visiting a r eal school gar den

Cultivating Character. Gardening activities and outdoor time positively impact the growth and development of the whole child, nurturing creativity and imagination, instilling environmental stewardship lessons and teaching essential life skills, such as teamwork, leadership and responsibility. “As students tend the garden, they learn that as a plant needs certain things to thrive and survive, so do they.”

C a ro l i n e H i l l , E du cat o r , Mor ningside Elementary School

Fostering Healthy Lifestyles. With childhood obesity on the rise, school gardens emphasize healthy lifestyles and nutrition, while giving students access to regular, invigorating outdoor activity. Children – many for the first time – see, touch and care for the plants, which in turn will nourish their young bodies. “When I grow up, I want to be a gardener. I want to grow vegetables and fruits.”

Fif t h - G r a d e S tu dent wit h a REAL school gar den

XIV.

statement

activities

f For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009.

unrestricted

temporarily restricted

$ 1,028,716

$ 180,361

total 2009

R e v e n ue a nd o t h e r su p p o rt

Contributions

$ 1,209,077

Interest income

4,993

—

4,993

Rental income

50,578

—

50,578

Miscellaneous income

803

—

803

total revenue and other support

$ 1,085,090

$ 180,361

$ 1,265,451

Ex pe n s e s

Program services

853,490

—

853,490

Management and general

139,244

—

139,244

Fundraising

70,583

—

70,583

total expenses 1,063,297

change in net assets

21,793 180,361

Net assets at beginning of year

466,858

488,651

net assets at end of year

— 1,063,297

—

$ 180,361

202,154

466,858 699,012

XV.

statement

financial position

EAL School Gardensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first full fiscal year* operating independently as a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization was 2008 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2009.* Our income for the year was $1.26 million, with almost 95% representing

contributions from foundations, corporations and individuals and our total spending came to $1.06 million. This year we sought to diversify funding sources and establish relationships with foundations, corporations and individuals who share our desire to inspire children and encourage educators. Temporarily restricted contributions are designated for our expansion into Dallas Independent School District elementary schools within our North Texas region and for a demonstration garden at our headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas.

Sowing the Seeds of Change. p ro gr a m s e r v i c e s

80% m a n a ge m e n t

and

ge n e r a l

13% fundr aising

* Operating since April 2003 with the Botanical Research Institute of Texas serving as our fiscal sponsor, REAL School Gardens was incorporated as a 501(c)3 organization in November 2007. With incorporation, our fiscal year changed from the calendar year to the academic year and now begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.

Taraxacum Officinale Dandelion

School gardens give children the ability to soar, just like the seeds of a dandelion and the beautiful Monarch butterfly wings they study.

Learning t Hubbard H akes root: Alicia and eights Elem Y entary Sch izel ool

XIX.

growing

the

community

F Planting Roots.

ommunity support and investment are critical to the success of our

why we reach out to local businesses, adopt-a-school flight. takes That’s Learning gardens. partners, service groups, churches and other agencies to encourage

their participation in public education through the outdoor classrooms. Schools take great pride in knowing that the garden belongs to everyone and that the community supports them.

Transforming tiny lives. T h i s y ea r , R E A L S cho o l G a r d e ns’ c o m m u ni ty m e m b e r s i b u tlessons ed in ma n y way sinside : learned that isntr The beauty of a school gardenco outdoors. School gardens taken easily the classroom can 634 parentsbeand family members participated in eight garden and textbooks from meetingslearned for the four new school gardens. where lessons are living classroomsplanning worksheets become real, meaningful and powerful to students.

331 youth and adults from the community contributed a total of 1,500 volunteer hours to REAL School Gardens’ projects.

At East Fort Worth Montessori Academy students participated in

a school-wide project raising Monarch caterpillars and butterflies

53 schools recruited volunteers from their individual communities,

the students Indoors,volunteer semesters. spring in the fall and logging thousands of additional hours in their gardens. watched the caterpillars transform into beautiful Monarch outside, lessons their took 14 community members served on the ACORNS Advisory Board. they literally butterflies. Then, tagging the Monarchs and releasing them in their school gardens.

17 community members provided support to three Leadership Teams. The students made the connection that the eggs and caterpillars of life. cyclefrom a magical of garden. are part garden in the see takes they It truly a village to grow a school Everyone, kindergarteners to principals, students garden, their Through is involved in school the REAL School these Gardens planningengaged process.in To design their dream garden, d school transcende learningatthat al members experienti community Davidtruly E. Smith Elementary Schoolwalls. in Haltom City, Texas, began

with colored pencils. The children sketched pizza gardens, lizard hotels, a17. Zen reading garden, archeology dig areas and, of course, vegetable beds. With guidance from garden experts, educators, administrators and parents looked to the children’s ideas as they developed final design plans. Just a few months later, more than 160 volunteers broke ground in the garden, transforming a blank courtyard into a beautiful garden showcase in just a few hours.

Taraxacum Officinale Dandelion

School gardens give children the ability to soar, just like the seeds of a dandelion and the beautiful Monarch butterfly wings they study.

A bounti ful mind. Clare Walker Leslie may not be a household name, but to the students of Westcliff Elementary School in Fort Worth, she truly is a celebrity. Clare is the author of 11 books, including Nature All Year Long and Keeping a Nature Journal: Discover a Whole New Way of Seeing the World Around You. In February 2009, she visited the school and brought with her the knowledge of more than 30 years as a nature-lover, naturalist, author and artist. With her characteristic enthusiasm, she showed the students how to incorporate drawing into their journaling, making their time in the garden even more valuable. The children were amazed at the amount of detail they found as they focused on noting and drawing in their journals every aspect of their garden. At the end of the day, with

Learning t Hubbard H akes root: Alicia and eights Elem Y entary Sch izel ool

journals bursting and imaginations soaring, the children learned that no matter how closely you look, nature will always reveal something new and fascinating.

Clare Walker Leslie sketching 18.

photo credit : Matthew Rainwater

XIX.

growing

the

community

F Planting Roots.

ommunity support and investment are critical to the success of our gardens. That’s why we reach out to local businesses, adopt-a-school partners, service groups, churches and other agencies to encourage

their participation in public education through the outdoor classrooms. Schools take great pride in knowing that the garden belongs to everyone and that the community supports them. T h i s y ea r , R E A L S cho o l G a r d e ns’ c o m m u ni ty m e m b e r s co ntr i b u t e d i n m a n y way s :

634 parents and family members participated in eight garden planning meetings for the four new school gardens. 331 youth and adults from the community contributed a total of 1,500 volunteer hours to REAL School Gardens’ projects. 53 schools recruited volunteers from their individual communities, logging thousands of additional volunteer hours in their gardens. 14 community members served on the ACORNS Advisory Board. 17 community members provided support to three Leadership Teams.

It truly takes a village to grow a school garden. Everyone, from kindergarteners to principals, is involved in the REAL School Gardens planning process. To design their dream garden, community members at David E. Smith Elementary School in Haltom City, Texas, began with colored pencils. The children sketched pizza gardens, lizard hotels, a Zen reading garden, archeology dig areas and, of course, vegetable beds. With guidance from garden experts, educators, administrators and parents looked to the children’s ideas as they developed final design plans. Just a few months later, more than 160 volunteers broke ground in the garden, transforming a blank courtyard into a beautiful garden showcase in just a few hours.

Athyrium Filix Lady Fer n

Just as there are many different species of fern, there are many different styles of learning â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which REAL school gardens are designed to accommodate.

Inspiring i Como Montnnovative teaching p ractices essori Schoo l

XXIII.

partnerships

6 2008 — 2009.

EAL School Gardens gratefully recognizes those who help to put Johnson, age 6 school gardens at the heart ofBrian urban neighborhoods.

p a rt n e r s h i p s David Aftandilian, PhD.,

. Christian University (TCU) students and his problem dedicated Texas The root of the Alpha Phidifferent Omega Service Group at TCU styles. learning have Teachers know that different students routine, these differences sometimes However, during the everyday Andrewsclassroom Institute of Mathematics & Science Education at TCU get overlooked.

Arlington Independent School District

he had schools, of our partner er at one Brian was a handful. A kindergarten Birdville Independent School District trouble focusing, sitting still and working cooperatively. Like his classmates,

Botanical Research Institute of Texas

Brian loved being in the garden, but often his behavior problems led to

Center for Community Involvement & Service-Learning at TCU outside. restrictions on his time Dallas Independent School District

One day during some time in the garden, Brian’s teacher noticed how diligently

Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, Nebraska City, Nebraska he was pulling weeds. Later, she watched him working hard at turning the soil that it realized And the teacher for seeds. and then carefully digging holes Fort Worth Independent School District wasn’t Brian who needed to change – it was she.

Fort Worth Parks and Community Services, City of Fort Worth

tasks without getting Frog at TCU complete andCamp With his hands occupied, Brian could engage in distracted or frustrated. Once his teacher recognized how active, hands-on

Grand Prairie Independent School District

learning motivated Brian, she began to increase, instead of decrease, his

Keep Fort Worth Beautiful time in the garden. Soon, his garden activity translated into progress in the assignments. on his to focus able classroom, as Brian was calmer and more Keep Grand Prairie Beautiful Now, just like the garden he tends, Brian is thriving.

Keep Haltom City Beautiful Keep Texas Beautiful

Rainwater Charitable Foundation Redenta’s Garden Refugee Services of Texas, Fort Worth Tarrant County Juvenile Services Tarrant County Sheriff's Department Teton Science School, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

21.

Athyrium Filix Lady Fer n

Just as there are many different species of fern, there are many different styles of learning â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which REAL school gardens are designed to accommodate.

Fresh food for fresh faces. Putting down roots.

Moving to a new country is not easy. For refugees associated with Refugee Services of Texas in Fort Worth, it is often a stressful transition, tempered by the excitement and hopefulness that comes with beginning a new life. With few resources, these refugees depend on help from several community organizations as they acclimate to a new culture and environment.

REAL School Gardens is proud to be one of these organizations. Through our partnership with Center for Community Involvement & Service-Learning at Texas Christian University, five REAL school gardens donate fresh produce to these individuals and families, giving them a warm welcome to their new home and a healthy start to their new life.

harvesting squash at a REAL school garden 22.

Inspiring i Como Montnnovative teaching p ractices essori Schoo l

XXIII.

partnerships

6 2008 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 2009.

EAL School Gardens gratefully recognizes those who help to put school gardens at the heart of urban neighborhoods. p a rt n e r s h i p s David Aftandilian, PhD., and his dedicated Texas Christian University (TCU) students Alpha Phi Omega Service Group at TCU Andrews Institute of Mathematics & Science Education at TCU Arlington Independent School District Birdville Independent School District Botanical Research Institute of Texas Center for Community Involvement & Service-Learning at TCU Dallas Independent School District Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, Nebraska City, Nebraska Fort Worth Independent School District Fort Worth Parks and Community Services, City of Fort Worth Frog Camp at TCU Grand Prairie Independent School District Keep Fort Worth Beautiful Keep Grand Prairie Beautiful Keep Haltom City Beautiful Keep Texas Beautiful Rainwater Charitable Foundation Redentaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden Refugee Services of Texas, Fort Worth Tarrant County Juvenile Services Tarrant County Sheriff's Department Teton Science School, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Rubus Fruticosus Blackber ry

A blackberry is an â&#x20AC;&#x153;aggregate fruitâ&#x20AC;? composed of individual drupelets that are each packaged carefully around one seed. The fruit has a unique structure that contributes to its nutritional value, and is a great metaphor for how individual students come together for the betterment of a classroom as a whole.

ater

inw ew Ra

photo

atth t : M credi

aTonya L : g n i n r a nds-on lery School a h , d l r o Real-w ing Elementa H.V. Helb

XXVII.

donors

contributors

and

EAL School Gardens gratefully acknowledges the generosity of those who provided financial support, as well as those contributing discounts and in-kind donations this year. d on or s

HOW TO DONATE.

Andrews Institute of Mathematics & Science Education at Texas Christian University

Let’s Go Green Jeanne McCarty and Jason Hewitt

Anonymousgive to REAL School Gardens, you Terri McGuire the gift of give When you Bank of America Charitable Foundation Motorola Foundation hope and imagination to children who need it most. Your Judy Cates Suzanne Rall Peacock that excite elementary helpsClub donation Colonial Country Charities schools grow gardens Rainwater Charitable Foundation Pat Dorraj engage teachers, encourage parents and involve children, The Thomas M., Helen McKee & Jennifer Fitzgerald and Wesley Wright John P. Ryancan Foundation, change Inc. entire communities. Share our dream! Together we Kelli Graham Charlotte Sassman school garden at a time. one world the Patricia and Tom Harrison Michelle Schneider Keep Texas Beautiful

Courtney Schwarten

Amber andmake Brianyour Kellertax-deductible donation Eric Vanderbeck at and Kathy Cash online You can REALschoolgardens.org.

c on t r i b u t or s

your or mail 02 Juarez Mercado Catering Alphagraphics If you prefer, you may call us at 817.348.81

Debra Morrow and Morrow & Company America theto Beautiful Fund Avenue, Fort Worth, 76104. Texas 503 Bryan donation Oscar's Mexican Restaurant Vicki and Ed Bass Pizzaiolo's Restaurant Bonnie Plants children and of Rainwater the lives in difference a makes support Your Matthew Chadra Mezza & Grill



d. Design Philip Combs and Philip Combs appreciate is greatly

Tom and Karen Rall

Cousin's Restaurants, Inc.

Redenta’s Garden

D Consulting & Creative Writing

Sharon Schoech

Fort Worth Parks and Community Service Department, City of Fort Worth

Jeremy Smith

Barbara A. Friedman

TCU Barnes and Noble Bookstore

Kelly Garrett

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

GlennScape LLC

25. Texas de Brazil Churrascaria

Sue Handman and Handman Design

Texas Department of Transportation

Harvest Supply

Tim's Landscape

Lowe’s Home Improvement

Tiny Seeds

Randi McKinney and Cook Children’s Health Care System

Weston Gardens in Bloom, Inc.

Sutherlands

YourOutDoors, Inc.

Rubus Fruticosus Blackber ry

A blackberry is an “aggregate fruit” composed of individual drupelets that are each packaged carefully around one seed. The fruit has a unique

I would like to make a donation to value, and is a great metaphor for how individual School Gardens. REAL structure that contributes to its nutritional

students come together for the betterment of a classroom as a whole.

name

company

address

city st

zip

phone enclosed is my tax-deductible donation in the amount of:

ater

inw ew Ra

photo

atth t : M credi

aTonya L : g n i n r a please use my donation to: nds-on lery School a h , d l r o nta eal-w emegardens l  support greatest need R support North Texas E g n i b l H.V. He  support growing movement nationally (check one)

 other enclosed is my check made payable to real school gardens



please charge my credit card:

card no.

sec. code

 visa

 mastercard

 amex

 discover

exp.date signature



26.



XXVII.

donors

contributors

and

EAL School Gardens gratefully acknowledges the generosity of those who provided financial support, as well as those contributing discounts and in-kind donations this year. d on or s

Andrews Institute of Mathematics & Science Education at Texas Christian University

Let’s Go Green

Anonymous

Terri McGuire

Bank of America Charitable Foundation

Motorola Foundation

Judy Cates

Suzanne Rall Peacock

Colonial Country Club Charities

Rainwater Charitable Foundation

Pat Dorraj Jennifer Fitzgerald and Wesley Wright

The Thomas M., Helen McKee & John P. Ryan Foundation, Inc.

Kelli Graham

Charlotte Sassman

Patricia and Tom Harrison

Michelle Schneider

Keep Texas Beautiful

Courtney Schwarten

Amber and Brian Keller

Eric Vanderbeck and Kathy Cash

Jeanne McCarty and Jason Hewitt

c on t r i b u t or s Alphagraphics

Mercado Juarez Catering

America the Beautiful Fund

Debra Morrow and Morrow & Company

Vicki and Ed Bass

Oscar's Mexican Restaurant

Bonnie Plants

Pizzaiolo's Restaurant

Chadra Mezza & Grill

Matthew Rainwater

Philip Combs and Philip Combs Design

Tom and Karen Rall

Cousin's Restaurants, Inc.

Redenta’s Garden

D Consulting & Creative Writing

Sharon Schoech

Fort Worth Parks and Community Service Department, City of Fort Worth

Jeremy Smith

Barbara A. Friedman

TCU Barnes and Noble Bookstore

Kelly Garrett

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

GlennScape LLC

Texas de Brazil Churrascaria

Sue Handman and Handman Design

Texas Department of Transportation

Harvest Supply

Tim's Landscape

Lowe’s Home Improvement

Tiny Seeds

Randi McKinney and Cook Children’s Health Care System

Weston Gardens in Bloom, Inc.

Sutherlands

YourOutDoors, Inc.

XXVIII.

awards

and

recognitions

R 2008 — 2009.

or REAL School Gardens, this year’s planting, watering and weeding

has paid off — and not just with beautiful tomatoes. a d d y awa r d s Presented by the American Advertising Federation REAL School Gardens won a national silver ADDY for our website; a gold ADDY for our website at the District Level; and a silver ADDY for our interactive flash intro at the District Level. We also received a Fort Worth ADDY for our branded stationery.

keep tex as beautiful A statewide conference in Houston, June 10, 2009 Program Director Scott Feille presented a keynote address at its annual conference.

sa d i e r ay gr a f f awa r d for a c i v i c orga n i za t i on Presented by Keep Texas Beautiful to REAL School Gardens A statewide accolade for a civic organization engaged in environmental education.

sad i e r ay gr a f f awa r d for a n e l e m e n ta ry s ch ool Presented by Keep Texas Beautiful to Westcliff Elementary School and fourth-grade teacher Kerry Renta. A statewide accolade for an elementary school engaged in environmental education.

Please help us plant more seeds in young minds for a brighter future. In the garden possibilities abound; hopes and dreams come alive.

XXVIX.

staff

and

board

directors

A 2008 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 2009.

EAL School Gardens gratefully recognizes the efforts of its staff and board members who keep the organization and our programs thriving. sta f f Heather Branham Program Assistant Scott Feille Program Director Jennifer Fitzgerald Director of Community Relations Jeanne McCarty Executive Director Terri Truly McGuire Chief Operating Officer Nancy Payne Garden Designer Charlotte Sassman Program Assistant Eric Vanderbeck Educator

b oa r d of d i r e c t or s Kelly Garrett Chairman Jeanne McCarty Suzanne Rall Peacock Fred Thompson

503 bryan avenue fort worth, texas 76104 phone

: 817.348.8102

fa x

: 817.348.8680

REALschoolgardens.org

R E A L : Rainwater Environmental Alliance for Learning