Mission Moment: Green Thumbs-Up from Hillcrest Elementary
We eat what we grow!!! That’s what’s happening at Hillcrest Elementary School in Catonsville, MD who received a 21st Century Enrichment Grant to help create a garden in their courtyard. Mary Beth Capka orchestrated the grant process. Their outdoor classroom allows students to plant and harvest vegetables & herbs. Included in this project is the Catonsville community as part of their education process of healthy lifestyles and farm to table eating. Hillcrest has invited dieticians and others with expertise to facilitate assemblies with each grade level.
The result? The opportunity to look at a variety of programs that can educate our students in the importance of food sustainability and environmental literacy. The Hillcrest courtyard is now considered a Tier V garden from the BCPS Office of Outdoor Science and is used as an example of what is possible in schools around the county. It is a successful partnership between volunteers, the community, students and teachers.
We’ll continue to watch as the future success of this garden delivers lessons on many platforms; sustainability, a food source, science curriculum, a habitat for insects & birds, community involvement, healthy life styles, and business partnerships that may support this endeavor down the road.
We at the Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools give Hillcrest Elementary School a big “GREEN” Thumbs-Up.
Note: The Hillcrest Elementary School’s grant was made possible through a 21st Century Enrichment Grant project funded by Hot Spots Extended Care Program through The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc.