Cynthia Bens at Santa Margarita Elementary School and Lisa Shinn at Cayucos Elementary School each received a $500 grant to help purchase tool shed materials for their outdoor classrooms / school gardens. These gardens are used to teach reading, writing, math, science, health and nutrition, along with water conservation, composting, and vermiculture. Students at all grade levels participate to plan, nurture and harvest the vegetables, which are prepared and served in classrooms and in the school cafeterias. Both gardens have strong support from parent and community volunteers, including support from the Cal Poly Master Gardener program.
“We were impressed by how these garden-classrooms bring core subjects to life for students in a very practical way,” said SESLOC Assistant Vice President of Marketing Carla Swift. “In addition, beyond the math and science, these students are learning invaluable lessons about our connection to the earth and the need for good stewardship.”
SESLOC has long been committed to education and strives to expand learning opportunities for San Luis Obispo County students by supporting creativity and excellence. Throughout the school year, SESLOC offers a total of $6,000 in grants for use in San Luis Obispo County schools. These grants are designed to support and enhance education in San Luis Obispo County by expanding classroom level resources and supporting projects.
The grant program is open to kindergarten through 12th grade classroom teachers and directors of enrichment programs at accredited schools. More information and grant applications are available online here.
Visit the Santa Margarita Elementary School garden website here.