In Our school garden helps students appreciate and care for God’s beauty.
What was once an unused patch of land on the between St. John the Baptist school and Church of the Holy Spirit became a place where students can experience the wonders of God’s creation firsthand.
The garden was created in 2016 after receiving a grant from NRD that helped to fund the construction. The Learning Garden is the brainchild of Mrs. Sandy Rhoades, St. John the Baptist middle school teacher, but quickly became a community project. Since the garden was created, many school families, parishioners and organizations have given their time, talent and treasure to help us beautify the garden.
Take a walk through the garden
As the children enter the garden, they are greeted by a statue of St. John the Baptist (a gift from ???) Engraved bricks like a path through the garden. In the center of the garden is a beautiful pergola sitting place.
There are many hands-on opportunities for teachers to engage students both mentally and physically. The garden provides students with a reprieve from sitting at their desks … the garden is good for our students’ health and spiritual life. The garden enhances opportunities for teachers to further develop teaching skills, concepts, and objectives that are introduced in the textbooks.
In the spring and fall, teachers will use the space as an outdoor classroom for art, religion and science. Students love watching the baby cardinals and monarch butterflies, listen to the birds sing It would also be a place to hear birds sing, and dig in the soil!. The garden has been the perfect place for students to release the monarch butterflies they raise on their classrooms, as part of a science lesson that teaches students about the life stages of a butterfly.
The impact of the school garden is being felt by more than just students and teachers, parishioners and alumni enjoy visiting the beautiful outdoor space. It’s the perfect to read a book, pray the rosary or just sit and enjoy God’s beauty.
Engraved Bricks
Volunteers
