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Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Elementary School Garden Refresh Project
A Four Peaks Rotary Club Community Initiative
Project Summary:
The McDowell Mountain Elementary School Garden REfresh Project is a community-driven initiative led by the Four Peaks Rotary Club in partnership with educators, parents, and local organizations. This project will rejuvenate and expand the school's existing garden space, transforming it into an engaging outdoor environmental education center. It will serve as a living classroom where students of all ages can explore science, sustainability, nutrition, and community service.
Aligned with Rotary International's Areas of Focus-Basic Education and Literacy, Supporting the Environment, Community Economic Development, Maternal and Child Health, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene-the REfresh Project empowers youth through hands-on learning while nurturing a stronger, healthier Fountain Hills community.
** Learning Opportunities for Children
All students, from first grade through high school, will engage in age-appropriate, curriculum-aligned activities to enhance their classroom learning through real-world application.
Children Will Learn:
Environmental Literacy
Life cycles of plants, pollinators, and local wildlife
Soil health and composting
Sustainability and water conservation practices
** STEM Education
Scientific observation and experimentation (e.g., soil testing, plant growth cycles)
Math skills through measuring, charting, and planning garden layouts
Weather and seasonal changes
Nutrition and Healthy Living
Growing and identifying fruits, vegetables, and herbs
Understanding the benefits of fresh food and garden-to-table eating
** Literacy and Communication
Garden journaling and observation logs
Reading garden-themed books and labeling plants with bilingual signs
Peer presentations and storytelling
** Social and Emotional Skills
Teamwork, responsibility, patience, and problem-solving
Respect for nature and diversity in the ecosystem
Service and Citizenship
Volunteering during garden days
Leading tours for younger students or the community
Designing and maintaining garden areas
👩🏫 Integration with Teachers, Parents & the Community
Teachers
Use the garden as an extension of classroom instruction
Lead subject-integrated lessons (science, math, reading, art)
Facilitate inter-grade mentorship activities
Parents and Guardians
Serve as volunteers during garden build days, maintenance, and harvest events
Read with students in the garden (family literacy days)
Help coordinate garden-to-home nutrition practices
Community Partners
Fountain Hills Community Garden - mentorship and seed sharing
TrailBlazers and Blue Zone Imagine Fountain Hills - support health and wellness goals
Local Tribal Nations - cultural storytelling and indigenous planting techniques
Master Gardeners and Environmental Educators - provide workshops and ongoing support
Local Businesses - sponsor tools, signage, irrigation, and educational materials
🌍 Rotary Alignment & Impact
This project embodies the Rotary spirit of "Service Above Self" and contributes to:
Basic Education and Literacy: Interactive learning to support reading, writing, and science
Supporting the Environment: Creating green spaces that educate and preserve biodiversity
Community Economic Development: Teaching students to grow food, understand sustainability, and possibly create micro-businesses (e.g., herb sales, garden club fundraisers)
Maternal and Child Health: Supporting family well-being through access to nutrition education
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH): Demonstrating responsible water use and clean practices in garden upkeep
🎯 Vision Statement:
"Growing minds, growing food, growing together. The Garden REfresh Project is where learning takes root, and the Fountain Hills community blooms."
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