Principal's Suggestion Box #9

These letters are absolutely fictional (to protect the innocent and not-so-innocent.) But, with the hint of truth, maybe we can make some adjustments. Principals have the best chance to do that.

Dear Principal,
Just thought I'd give you a progress report, and let you know I am so excited about the spring semester. The plans for teacher collaboration seem to be a reasonable amount of time, and very creative that some of the teams are based on areas of interest rather than only grade levels or teaching areas. Already, Mr. -- and Ms.-- and I have been emailing over the break for plans on the school garden. Mr.-- is so helpful, knows vegetables, and excited to be included on a GenEd team. He says his Special Ed. class will be very enthusiastic gardeners! Ms.-- is a Master Gardener in the community and is keeping us so organized. Mr.-- isn't on our team, but hopes to bring out his English class to the garden to sit write from time to time. Mrs. -- from the cafeteria staff. says she can use the veggies, and let the kids know what recipes they are going into. I've been able to get donations from Home Depot and Lowe's for equipment and supplies. Of course, I am also preparing for my incoming 9th grade math kids--I feel more invigorated with the garden being in the mix. So much math in gardening--even if we don't spent an inordinate amount of time there, the kids will love it. And we get to be outside once in awhile.
Thanks again for your innovation.
Teacher Enjoying A Break in the Monotony
School Garden Checklist

http://www.letsmove.gov/school-garden-checklist 

The Benefits of a School Garden

http://www.myhealthyschool.com/gardens/benefits.php 

Nature Deficit Disorder

http://www.education.com/topic/nature-deficit-disorder/ 

My suggestion: Principals, be flexible. Most of the staff time is preordained. No choice, really a huge, highly stressful sequence of tasks. Every day. If staff members have an idea that may relieve the monotony or tenseness--let them give it a shot. Poetry Reading Festival? Vincent van Gogh Chalk drawing on the quad? Sing Alongs at lunch? Learn a New Soccer (or Dance) Move before school? Prepare and give speeches at assemblies?A garden? Why not, if it isn't too expensive, it's safely administered, and sounds like a bit of fun. Let the staff and kids blow off a little steam. But the garden would be awesome.

 

Mr. Kashiwagi's garden at Jehue Middle School, Fontana, California.