By Chloe Bernard, student
HALE- It was around the turn of the century and technology was quickly taking over at home and in the classroom. One teacher, Ms. Anderson, had a vision for a garden at Hale Area Schools. She knew the benefits of getting kids outside and realized that the garden could be transformed into a classroom as well as a quiet, peaceful place where students could read, write and relax. What started as an idea was brought to reality with school support, a community of volunteers and a whole lot of hard work. A beautiful garden was brought to life at Hale Schools. The garden was a place where local wildlife would visit and the students enjoyed both working and relaxing in the serene environment. Over the years, the garden was forgotten about and all that remains are worn down benches and overgrown bushes. However, Hale School’s social workers Theressa Muhle and Erica Martin are looking to change this.
The project to bring the garden back to life is already underway, with many different classes getting involved, including the ninth-grade health class and even the second graders. Many different teachers have expressed their excitement for this project and how they plan to use it with their classes. Mr. Keeley, one of Hale’s second grade teachers, has already expressed how he plans to use the garden to teach his children about the different parts of a flower and other fun ideas while many English teachers plan to use the garden as a way for their kids to get fresh air while reading.
While the garden will fulfill many educational goals, it will also serve a deeper purpose. It’s a known fact that being outside, surrounded by nature can increase serotonin levels. Fresh air raises oxygen levels, which then raises the level of serotonin in the brain, and this is what alters our mood. All in all, you can improve your mood simply by being outside. The garden will help those who struggle with their mental health. It will act as a place of peace for them, a way to get their feelings and emotions out and recharge.
Theressa Muhle says, “There are several students who have experienced significant loss of loved ones. Several students came up with the idea to paint a paver stone as a memorial to those they have lost. The pavers will be displayed in the garden as a collective art form. The significance of putting a decorated paver in the midst of a growing garden, full of life and beauty, can empower students to express their grief in healthy ways and begin the healing process knowing that their loved one is represented in a way that is special to them. This idea has blossomed into students wanting to honor our nation’s heroes serving our country, honoring parents that live in another state, and possibly including it as a project for next year’s art club.”
Mrs. Muhle and Mrs. Martin has enlisted the help of Hale’s garden club. Some members of the group came out to look over the land lab and to give their ideas. Together they all created a layout of what they hope the garden will one day look like. Previously, when the garden was first built, there was a pond along with paths and benches around the area. Parents, students, and teachers all worked to build the garden, and many families donated various things, such as the benches and even a tractor to dig the holes for the benches. Many classes back then held fun competitions between each other to raise money for the garden and to leave their mark on a place that was so special to them throughout the years.
While the project is already underway, it is fully volunteer funded. Therefore, the school is asking the community for their help. The donation of any gardening tools, such as gloves, hand garden tools, rakes, shovels, hoes, weed barrier, mulch, and any other donations that could be used towards this project would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be delivered to the school Mon-Fri from 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. The students and faculty from Hale Area Schools thank you.
