The school garden pictured above lies between Glendale Middle School and Mountain View Elementary school at the Glendale-Mountain View Community Learning Center (CLC). With over 30 garden boxes, this site has boxes for teachers, after-school and Head Start program participants, and families. During the season, you can spot families of different cultures and regions coming together in this inclusive space to water their boxes. The mission of the CLC garden is to provide students and families with access to education about how to grow healthy, organic food; to provide students with an alternative educational space for hands-on, experiential learning opportunities; and to create a space that fosters authentic school and community relationships. Family Garden Gatherings (a family engagement program) are hosted here every week for families and the school community. During this program, participants learn about growing food. They also share recipes and explore nature with WCG staff, local experts, and peers. Hosting this family engagement program at the school has helped the garden to experience more consistent family participation, to build community within the schools and to have the garden space flourish even more. We would like to thank Elizabeth Montoya (Family and School Collaboration Specialist), as this program would not be as successful without her authentic connection with families and love of gardening. |
