Campus Caretakers Growing Leaders

School:: Veterans Memorial Elementary
Subject:: Other
Teacher:: Janice Iacovino
: Lisa Heben, Rachel Buonocore
Students Impacted:: 734
Grade:: 2
Date:: September 8, 2021

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

FL License For Learning License Plate Fund - $180.86

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 734

The garden area on the VME campus has provided an opportunity for the Campus Caretakers to develop leadership skills by helping in the garden by watering, weeding, and sharing their knowledge with everyone on the campus.

These Caretakers participate in a weekly segment on the WVME News where they report on current happenings and updates. The theme is "Growing Leaders".

Students from all grade levels have access to the garden(s). They are able to engage in hands on learning while collaborating with their peers. They learn about life cycles, living things and habitats all while increasing their overall socail and emotional well-being.

grant photo

Original Grant Overview

Goal

We would like to submit a request for a grant to fund the continuous study, observation and enjoyment of the butterflies on VME’s campus. We have been devoted to this “outside classroom” learning opportunity for years and we have provided the habitats in the front and the back of the campus. We are committed to the upkeep and the continuous rotation/recycling of the plants, which are the food source for the butterflies. Donations by families and other staff members happen occasionally. This project has grown to a whole new level of interest, engagement and learning. So has the expense!

What will be done with my students

The garden area provides a great opportunity for student leaders who have an interest in helping to care for the garden by watering, weeding and sharing their knowledge and passion with other students.

Collier County’s science curriculum includes the facets of this project including the study of life cycles, living things and habitats.

Students from all grade levels engage in active hands on learning in the gardens.

Benefits to my students

All students and staff have the opportunity to enjoy the areas as they pass by. The opportunity to take a few minutes in this peaceful environment supports our social/emotional learning for anyone who is looking for the opportunity to renew, re-set and relieve a bit of stress. This has proven to be more important than ever. The back garden has four outdoor tables, available to anyone on the VME campus to use for outdoor instruction and/or to just relax and take a break.

Budget Narrative

The items would be purchased at Golden Gate Nursery. This local business supports the efforts of Collier County Public Schools.

Items

#	Item	Cost
1	12 Bush Daisy Each	$31.67
2	2 Blue Butterfly Bush	$27.45
3	3 giant milkweed plants	$79.34
4	4 containers of live ladybugs	$42.40
	Total:	$180.86

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