September 25, 2011

 

The environmental education efforts of Coles Elementary School have gained statewide attention, carving its place as one of 50 schools recognized in the Virginia Naturally program this year. The program recognizes the efforts of Virginia schools to increase the environmental awareness and stewardship of our youngest citizens.

The groundwork for Coles’ recognition was already in place, thanks to the school’s “Caring for Tomorrow” project. Funded by the school community and Dominion Resources, Coles Elementary boasts gardens that students use as a springboard to study a wide variety of topics such as the plant life cycle, pollinators, water conservation, and nutrition. A partnership with a horticulturalist from Merrifield Garden Center and a master gardener at the Virginia Cooperative Extension brings expert assistance to the project.

“The students planted eight raised box gardens with crops representing the different cultures within the school. This teaches our children how to grow food and respect diversity and gives them a better understanding of nature and environmental stewardship,” said Ramona Richardson, kindergarten teacher.

The Virginia Naturally program is not a one-time award but one in which schools achieve additional recognition each year they participate. The Virginia Board of Education considers Virginia Naturally as the official environmental education school recognition program for the state. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries administers the program with support from the Department of Education, Department of Environmental Quality, and other resource agencies. Find out more at www.VaNaturally.com.