Elementary Garden
K.E.E.Y. Award (Kids, Education, the Environment & You)
Kimball Elementary Youth Garden
That children learn best through engagement and active exploration of the world around them was the guiding philosophy for creating the Kimball Elementary Youth Garden. In the spring of 2002, with the collaboration of four of Kimball’s’ teachers, the encouragement of the elementary principal and the guidance of retired teacher and Master Gardener Carl Hoffman, the Youth Garden was spearheaded by elementary teacher Deb Schmidt. The curriculum was designed to include students in planning and design, choosing plants, and tending the garden. Deb structured a science and nature curriculum for her after-school and summer classes. The garden won first place in the Kimball Area Beautification Contest. K-3rd graders use the garden tools, supplies and the shed for planting projects, 4th graders use the garden for their study of Honey Bees, and 6th graders use the garden for their Monarch study and held their graduation at the garden.
