Summer or Fall, Our World is Growing!
During 2006, Romona created an outdoor classroom called "The World Environments Learning Laboratory”, WELL. The
WELL garden is an innovative learning space in Romona's courtyard which
celebrates and honors the incredible diversity of our school. Six
continent shaped garden beds were constructed and planted with a
variety of edibles, annuals, perennials, evergreen and deciduous plants
related to a specific ecosystem of each continent. In following years,
WELL added two accessible raised beds in the patio area, a rain garden to address water issues, composting, and a raised bed along the east wall for grade level curriculum differentiation projects.
Students
and staff have opportunities for hands on learning in all disciplines
and all grade levels. Parent volunteers supervise students during
their lunch recess on WELL Fridays each fall and spring. Students can
work in the garden each week planting, pruning, and composting. Other
weekly activities include digging for worms, searching for insects,
weeding, creating art, and reading quietly. WELL has hosted a variety of open houses, musical events and garden related cooking and art activities.
Original
funding for the project came from a District 39 Gripp Grant reward, the
Romona PTA and Romona family private donations. Landscape company,
Scott Byron & Co., was generous with their time and commitment to
WELL in it's early development. Other grants written by staff and PTA
volunteers have covered the costs of additional and ongoing projects.
WELL has been lucky to be the recipient of two Eagle Scout projects
and volunteer groups of students from Romona and New Trier High School.
This fall we’re our theme is "Whose Garden Is It Anyway?"
In order for to have WELL Fridays, we need 5-6 volunteers each week from 12:00-1:10.
Volunteers supervise kids in the garden to make sure they are safe and
provide support for the many activities we plan. No gardening
experience is necessary and younger, supervised siblings are welcome. If you would like to volunteer, please email wellgarden@romonapta.org.
