When Principal Brad Harding found out that Foster Ag Services had won the $15,000 prize through #ThankARetailer — and that the ag retail would be spending part of it on Arborg Early Middle School —he knew exactly how to use it.
About four years ago, the school’s parent advisory council decided to revitalize an overgrown area of the school’s grounds. Their goal was to create a space where teachers can bring students to learn about plants and biology in an engaging, hands-on way.
“The students love having the opportunity to get outside whenever possible,” Harding said. “When it’s nice in June, going outdoors to complete assignments makes school more enjoyable.”
The natural habitat and outdoor classroom project has progressed slowly over the past few years, but Harding says the donation will provide funds for them to hire a local contractor and finally complete the landscaping.
And once it’s finished, the students aren’t the only ones who will benefit from the space.
“The nice thing about all of our outside projects is that it’s for the entire community, not just for 9:00 to 3:30 when the kids are in school,” said Harding. “Being a small community, the school is our only playground, so we want to make it a welcoming space for everyone.”
Both Harding and the school’s parent advisory council were thrilled when they heard that Foster Ag Services’ #ThankARetailer winnings would help them put the finishing touches on the project.
“I can’t wait until we get this project completed,” said Harding. “We are grateful for their support and look forward to thanking them again at our opening celebrations.”
The school hopes to have the landscaping finished this fall so students can enjoy the space in the spring.
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