Beaverdale students excitied about science grant

Published 7:06 pm Friday, April 24, 2009

Take hundreds of excited students, add lots of money to boost innovative science studies, mix in plans for a greenhouse and you get the unique energy that was on display at Beaverdale Elementary School on Friday.

Students and teachers are frequently recognized for their achievements at the school in northeast Whitfield County, but when special guests from Lowe’s of Dalton presented the replica of a $10,000 check to principal Joe Barnett, the kids erupted during an assembly.

“This won’t be the last time we’re here,” pledged store manager Steve Hicks. “This is awesome. It’s a great, great school, and we’re looking forward to their progress. This will be a great learning experience for the students here.”

The grant from the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation will fund the construction of an on-campus greenhouse that will provide hands-on learning experiences for students in science. Not only will the students learn basic gardening skills, but they’ll also take part in worm composting, recycling and raising butterflies.

“The grant is designed to teach kids about the environment and conservation,” explained Robert Broughton, the school counselor who wrote the request for funding. “It will help them learn how to feed themselves and others through gardening, and how to give back to their communities.”

Broughton said the kids will grow flowers to take to local nursing homes and also design other projects centered on the greenhouse. He said Lowe’s — which also supports Habitat for Humanity, the Red Cross and United Way — is “very environmentally conscious.”

“I was elated when I heard we got it,” said Broughton. “This is something that will allow our kids to learn for years and years.”

The kids are looking forward to the opportunity.

“I’m excited,” said Will Douglas, 9. “I want to put some plants in there and see how they grow.”

Hannah Conway, 10, said it is “going to be cool” working in a greenhouse.

“When we talk about plants in science, we will get to come out and see them grow, too,” she added.

Russ Hargis, 11, already has experience growing grapes, apples, strawberries and plums at home.

“It’s really good,” he said. “It will be nice to know we can have some new trees at Beaverdale.”

“It’s going to give us more opportunities to enhance our instruction in the area of science,” said Barnett. “(Kids) can get engaged, get their hands dirty, so to speak. We’re appreciative of our community organizations and businesses like Lowe’s who help provide these opportunities for our kids.”

The greenhouse project is expected to start in May and be ready when school reopens in August.

Fourth-graders Ashley Waller and Bailey Dashler will get to spend their final year at Beaverdale working on their green thumbs in science class.

“It’s really good to have a greenhouse,” said Ashley, 9. “I really like science and I think the plants are going to be fun to grow. I have a garden at my house — my favorite is tomatoes.”

“I’m feeling really great about it,” said Bailey, who will soon turn 10. “I love plants and I’m excited that Beaverdale is getting this. I love it so much.”