The new pollinator garden at Donald P. Sutherland Elementary School.
Donald P. Sutherland Elementary School is buzzing with excitement over its new pollinator garden, a collaborative project that brought together students, staff, parents, and community partners.
The garden, located in the bus bay, provides a home for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while also serving as a new outdoor learning space.
Planting the Seed
The idea for the garden began last summer when parent and substitute teacher Jamie Phillips approached Principal Jack Alvey about starting an outdoor project. Mr. Alvey formed a Beautification Committee comprised of teachers, staff and the PTO to brainstorm ideas, and they eventually decided on a pollinator garden in the highly visible bus bay.
“This was an opportunity to create a sustainable space for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds and at the same time provide a teaching area,” Mr. Alvey said. “We felt this would be a nice place for teachers to bring students for outdoor learning.”
Over the course of last school year, the project grew into a school-wide effort that incorporated different subjects such as art, science and social studies.
Art classes designed stone pavers with mosaic designs on top to serve as stepping stones. Each class grew a different plant using seeds and indoor lighting that was purchased by the PTO. And the school contacted local businesses to assist with the project.
A stepping stone in the DPS pollinator garden.
Students Make Their Mark
Students made mosaic designs on 60 stone pavers during art class last year. Grades 2-5 learned about the art created throughout history with pieces of glass, ceramic, and other materials that go into mosaics. They were then able to arrange the pieces into their design.
Students in grades Pre-K through 1 worked as classes to create the first stepping stone in each section which serves as a grade level marker for the section.
Over the summer, the Beautification Committee visited school and grouted each of the stepping stones with black grout.
“The stepping stones help make the garden a beautiful place and gives ownership to the students because they have a permanent piece in the garden,” said Art Teacher Dianne Chalavoutis.
Community Partners Make it Happen
The garden’s physical construction was made possible through incredible community support. Keller Construction excavated the site and added concrete for benches, which will be installed later this month.
Brad Rose Landscaping donated large plants, mulch, and stone. They also provided labor, working alongside students all day to bring the garden to life.
And the DPS PTO provided assistance throughout the project, helping whenever it was needed.
DPS Principal Jack Alvey working with students on Wednesday to build the new pollinator garden.
Students Get Their Hands Dirty
Classes took turns working in the garden on Wednesday as they dug holes, planted flowers and scattered stone around the pavers. Along the way, they learned about gardening and taking care of the environment. But importantly, they also learned about working together towards a common goal.
“It turned out to be everything we were hoping for and more!” said Mrs. Phillips. “As a parent of young learners, I see the importance of real world experiences and learning beyond the classroom walls. As an educator, this outdoor classroom gives all students a place to experience the magic of nature, inspiring curiosity and space for hands-on explorations of science topics.
“The kids should all be so proud that they took part in this project, from planting the seeds, to designing the mosaic pavers,” she continued. “Each of them has left their mark here at DPS.”
Special Thanks
Special thanks to the DPS Beautification Committee, DPS faculty and staff, the PTO, Keller Construction, Brad Rose Landscaping, and our wonderful students!
DPS Beautification Committee
- Jack Alvey, Principal
- Dianne Chalavoutis, Art Teacher
- Shondra Conyers, Kindergarten Teacher
- Janet Guido, Special Education Teacher
- Andrea LaPlante, Head Custodian
- Peg O’Connor, Library Media Specialist
- Jamie Phillips, Parent/PTO/Substitute Teacher
- Karen Treiber, First Grade Teacher