The sixth graders wrote persuasive essays in Jonelle Martin’s language arts class and chose an idea from those presented.
DETAILS: 88 percent of first grads from Springfield school headed to college
Connie Jensen, the lead teacher on the project, said the goal was to create a habitat for butterflies and hummingbirds.
The program started with the previous year’s students, who removed old plants and put in new perennials. The current students started work last fall and picked it up again in March, weeding, adding new mulch to the walkway, planting three butterfly bushes and flowering plants and installing hummingbird feeders.
“The most significant aspect for me is that this project lets students who struggle academically shine. They become leaders and gain self confidence,” Jensen said.
RELATED: Volunteers help plant flowers at Snowhill, art to beautify school
The courtyard will be open to all classes. It also contains igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, plants native to Ohio, a pond with fish and visiting ducks.
In the future, students can study invasive species, and controlled growth, butterflies and hummingbirds that will be attracted through the additions.
The finishing touch was a horseshoe sculpture, a tribute to the school mascot, the Colts, with hand-print art sculptures that will remain there permanently. The previous class did a tree sculpture.
READ MORE: Marine surprises sister at Springfield Veterans Day celebration
“I thought it would be boring,” said sixth grader Andie Sherman of the project. “It got more fun. I love the horseshoe.”
Another feature of the courtyard is a time capsule burial area. The students wrote letters to their future selves they’ll get back upon their senior year of high school in 2023.
Although she’s admittedly nervous about entering middle school, Sherman is glad for what she and her classmates accomplished.
“I hope others will appreciate it,” she said.
About the Author