Madison 3rd graders create pollinator garden in school courtyard

Erica Loiacono
District 200 Newsroom
2 min readJun 17, 2019
Madison Principal Tim Callahan and Superintendent Jeff Schuler join in the dedication of Madison’s new pollinator garden.

Did you know that June 17–21 is National Pollinator Week? Pollinators, bees, butterflies, ants, bats and birds, are all part of the intricate biological web that helps to support diversity in our ecosystem and sustains our quality of life. Just before school let out, Madison 3rd graders did their part supporting our ecosystem by completing a Pollinator Garden in the school’s courtyard!

Earlier this year, all 3rd grade students were charged with collectively deciding on a class project. After receiving a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, students decided to put in a Pollinator Garden. With the help of their teachers Mrs. Dern, Mrs. Feeley and Mrs. Hernandez, students decided how to dig up the previous courtyard; used their math skills to determine how much dirt and mulch they’d need; and researched the various plant species that would attract pollinators.

On June 10, students welcomed parents and community members to view the new garden and dedicate the space as an official Schoolyard Habitat Space. As part of the Open House, students described their project from start to finish through various slideshows that were on display in the library.

Thank you, Madison 3rd graders, for making our community a better place!

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