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Shepherdstown Elementary Roots and Shoots Program

Basic Information

Grade Level: K-5
Address: 662 S. Church St. Shepherdstown, WV 25443
Person of Contact: Kate Didden
Phone Number: 304-283-6821
Email: kadidden@frontiernet.net

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Additional Information

Student Size: 600
Funding: Local
Gardens (Sq. Feet): 1000 sq ft vegetable/herb/flower garden; 250 sq ft butterfly garden; 100 sq ft sunflower patch; wetlands
Program Highlights:

Certified schoolyard habitat; Certified Monarch Waystation
Compost is created on-site
Majority of seeds/plants are donated by the Shepherdstown Farmers Market, local growers and volunteers.

Mission Statement:

To provide outdoor educational experiences to each student across the elementary years that enriches students' science education and inspires themes in library, art, music and language arts instruction.

Philosophy/Belief Statement:

We are making a difference in connecting children to the natural world, introducing them to healthy foods, and providing outdoor/hands-on learning experiences. We are creating a generation of environmental stewards and preserving the agricultural heritage of our county.

Program History:

Begun in 2006; the Shepherdstown Roots and Shoots program added to an existing schoolyard habitat by creating a 40' by 40' raised bed garden. Inspiration came from the Henry Waddell Roots to Shoots garden program's guide "Down to Earth". Each grade has an assigned garden/habitat area: Kindergarden Alphabet Flower Garden, 1st grade Sunflower Garden, 2nd grade Vegetable garden, 3rd grade wetlands and vegetable garden, 4th grade herb garden, 5th grade butterfly garden.

Volunteer Participation: Extensive volunteer support for garden maintenance; habitat development, and garden lessons. Volunteers are parents, grandparents, community members and master gardener/naturalists.