About the Project

Through our Growing Together (Creciendo Juntos) Community Garden, all students at Heideman Elementary will have access and opportunity to develop language, social, and academic skills through hands-on gardening experiences. As a Title I Community School with almost 600 students, over 93% of our students are socioeconomically disadvantaged, 56% are English Learners and 16% receive special education services. Through culturally and linguistically appropriate workshops and resources, our school has emphasized strengthening student and home connections, highlighting the importance of incorporating math, literacy, and language skills in their native language during their daily activities. This community garden would provide all students with impactful experiences, teaching not only science and other academic standards, but also providing opportunities to connect learning experiences at home and school, while meeting and supporting the greater needs of our students and community. We are particularly excited to provide this opportunity for our students who receive special education services, as we believe that giving them ownership over the success and well-being of the garden will provide them with the opportunity to utilize skills they are taught in a different modality. This garden will also allow for families to come together and learn about sustainability, creativity, and stress reduction.