A garden grows at Howell Road

Teachers, parents and administrators got to together on Oct. 22 to begin construction on a new garden at Howell Road School that will be used for learning.

The Reading Garden is being funded from a $4,700 grant from the Lowe’s Toolbox for Education program. A grant writing committee, which included reading teachers Liz Sweeny and Pat Hopkins, and ESL teacher Paula Barnick, secured the funding. “We research grants that we think would fit our needs,” Sweeny said.

The garden is being constructed on the site of an old playground. The spot, near the southeast corner of the school, has been empty since some old equipment was taken down last year.

Construction on Oct. 22 included the installation of five benches, building the barriers for the brick walkway and garden, and putting down the dirt. On Nov. 5, volunteers will again get to work, placing the brick pavers. In the spring, with the help of the students, flowers will be planted.

Barnick said that the purpose of the garden is to create an outdoor reading space for children. She hopes that teachers will bring their classes outside, so students can sit and enjoy a book while enjoying nature. “Reading takes place in all environments,” she said. “It doesn’t just happen in a classroom, sitting at a desk.” The space can also serve as an outdoor classroom, she added.

Second-grade teacher Veronica Oquendo, who volunteered her time on Oct. 22, is one of those teachers who plans to use the new garden extensively. She sees it as an opportunity for her students to read and get some fresh air. Additionally, she said that the students can study plants and insects, part of the science curriculum. “I can’t wait to use it,” she said. “The kids are so excited.”

Ronald Oree, who has a son at Howell Road, also volunteered his time on Oct. 22 to build the garden. He helped put the benches together, mixed cement and dug holes. “I always try to help out in school,” he said. “And I love to garden, so this is perfect for me.”

Oree said when finished, he envisions that the garden will be a nice place for students to sit and relax. He wants to come back in the spring and see the finished product.

Barnick said she plans to open the garden in style in the spring. She is hoping for a big ceremony and wants to do a read aloud, as well, to celebrate the garden’s purpose.

Principal Frank Huplosky, who said he was “ecstatic” that the school received the grant, said the possibilities for the garden are endless. He also noted the hard work of all the volunteers. “This is indicative of the Howell family,” he said. “I would expect nothing less.”