Elizabeth,
I was thinking that using a cowbell somehow would be fun. Wasn't sure how to ring it. Stick makes sense.
The other way we involve volunteers/build community is that we're building a Green Team email list of parent and student volunteers, and we invite them to Green Team volunteer work sessions on weekends. (We meet 1-2 times per month -- depending on what needs to get done -- and have been alternating between Saturday and Sunday from 9-11 a.m. We get work done, but also try to keep it fun and educational.) The email list is getting pretty big, but most families can't come every time; we take whoever can make it. I also copy school administrators and staff on the Green Team notices so that they know we'll be out there; sometimes, a teacher or two will join us.
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Amy Cody
Parent Volunteer / Coordinator
Latimer Garden & Outdoor Classroom
San Jose CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-15-2022 08:01:45 AM
From: Elizabeth Fravel
Subject: Garden "Bell" to Tell Students it's Time to Return to Class?
I found a neglected cowbell in a storage room. I tap it with a stick to let everyone know when to come back from their garden time.
The way youve been able to get volunteers at the beginning of the day sounds like a great way to build community.
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Elizabeth Fravel
School of Arts and Sciences Thomasville Rd
Tallahassee FL
Original Message:
Sent: 05-12-2022 11:50:06 AM
From: Amy Cody
Subject: Garden "Bell" to Tell Students it's Time to Return to Class?
Hi, All!
We've started something new at our TK-8 school called Open Garden Wednesdays. Parent volunteers are invited to work in the garden after drop off, and the garden is open for student visits during morning and lunch recesses. (We've been averaging about 90 visits per day!)
One problem is that students are returning to class late because they're lingering in the garden. I'm thinking of buying something -- hand bell? gong? loud bird whistle? -- to let kids know it's time to leave the garden and return to class. Suggestions? Direct links to products appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
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[Amy] [Cody]
[Parent Volunteer / Coordinator]
[Latimer Garden & Outdoor Classroom]
[San Jose] [CA]
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