Riviera Elementary School Garden Project blooms
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Thanks to the generosity of local donors and the dedication of the Riviera Elementary School Garden Committee, local students have a place to dig in the dirt and learn all the lessons school gardens can provide.
Clearlake Tractor Supply Co. recently joined the growing list of local donors who have provided tools, supplies, and expertise to lay the foundation for a thriving school garden.
Riviera Elementary teacher and Garden Committee member Mary Beth Abordo spearheaded the effort to involve Tractor Supply Co.
“I applied for support through the Tractor Supply Co. website back in September, and Amanda Johnson responded that our local Tractor Supply in Clearlake would be delighted to sponsor our school,” Abordo said.
She said store manager Vernon Parker, arranged for a banner displaying the school-business partnership and presented the school with a goodie bag of seeds, rulers, a sign for the garden, master gardener awards and a $200 gift certificate to Tractor Supply Co.
“Furthermore, Mr. Parker and his team of gardening experts plan to visit the Riviera Elementary School garden this spring to support our ongoing efforts,” Abordo said.
Studies show that school gardens can have a positive impact on academic achievement and behavior, as well as instilling a lifelong appreciation for nature.
Gardens also provide a place for students to be physically active and to learn about nutrition, both of which can contribute to students’ health and wellness.
Kelseyville Unified School District Superintendent Dave McQueen expressed his gratitude to all the donors and volunteers who have made school gardens possible at both Riviera Elementary and at Kelseyville Elementary.
“It’s incredible to see the transformation in the gardens in such a short time. Big thanks to the teachers, parents and community members who made this happen. I love the thought of all our students spending time outdoors, learning to grow food and flowers, and just having fun,” he said.
At Riviera Elementary School, donations of pathway matting, peat moss, rakes, shovels, pitchforks, leaf scoops, pruning shears, seeds, and a garden wagon have been made by Campos Casual, the USDA Gymnosperm Project, Johnny's Seeds, and parents Mr. Traphagen, Laura Kirk (in memory of her daughter Katie), and Dr. Kimberly Fordham.
The Riviera Elementary Garden Committee consists of teachers Leslie Gray, Sarah Yurosko and Mary Beth Abordo.
“Getting the garden in shape has been a group effort. Ms. Gray and her students, Mrs. Yurosko and her husband and students, kindergarten teacher Mrs. Turner and her husband, Ms. Cascio and her students, Ms. Sears and her students, and senior volunteer Grandpa Ralph have spent countless hours restoring the shed, irrigation system, composting stations, and raised beds,” Abordo said.
She paused and smiled, then asked, “Aren't we so blessed to live in Kelseyville where our children are so cherished?”