Campus Caretakers Growing Leaders

School:: Veterans Memorial Elementary
Subject:: School-wide program
Teacher:: Janice Iacovino
Students Impacted:: 735
Grade:: 2
Date:: July 13, 2023

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

The Mikes Family - $212.00

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 750

Dearest Mikes Family,

Just wow... I opened this grant up to provide my outcomes and I saw that you funded it. My heart literally grew 10 times larger instantly. This outside garden area fullfills my teacher dreams in so many ways. As you know:

This grant continues to allow students from all grade levels to actively engage in hands on learning with the garden(s).

For my second grade students specifically, our science curriculum comes to life through the study of life cycles, habitats, rocks and soil and weather.

We also take time to read and relax in the garden. The peaceful environment allows us to renew, re-set and let go of our stress and worries.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

With Love,

Mrs. I.

grant photo

Original Grant Overview

Goal

I would like to submit a request for a grant to fund the continuous study, observation and enjoyment of the butterflies on VME’s campus. I have been devoted to this “outside classroom” learning opportunity for years and have nurtured the habitat for the monarch butterfly, the Zebra Longwing and other Florida butterflies. I am committed to the upkeep and the continuous rotation/recycling of the plants, which are the food source and pollinator plants for the butterflies. Donations by families and other staff members happen occasionally. As this project has grown to a whole new level of interest, engagement and learning, so has the expense! The photo above is of our VME Campus Caretakers, who have taken on the leadership role of caring for the VME garden(s).

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 garden(s) 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. 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 American Farms Nursery. This local business supports the efforts of Collier County Public Schools.

Items

#	Item	Cost
1	4 Lantana (pollinator plants)	$21.20
2	4 Marigolds (pollinator plants)	$21.20
3	20 milkweed plants	$106.00
4	4 Pentas (pollinator plants)	$21.20
5	4 Zinnia plants (pollinator plants)	$21.20
6	4 Plumbagos (pollinators)	$21.20
	Total:	$212.00

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