The Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) and Val Verde Unified School District on Wednesday, September 20, 2017, celebrated the dedication of a new water-wise garden at Vista Verde Middle School that was funded through a federal program which aims at reducing water use in schools. Vista Verde Middle School students, administrators, district officials, city representatives, and officials from EMWD gathered together to dedicate the garden earlier this morning.
“Science, Technology, Engineering Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) are a huge part of the Vista Verde Middle School culture. This garden presents the students with an amazing opportunity to see real-world applications of the lessons they experience in the classroom,” said Vista Verde Middle School Principal, Esperanza Arce.
This garden marks the 4th garden in the Val Verde Unified School District in collaboration with EMWD. Triple Crown Elementary School, May Ranch Elementary School, and Columbia Elementary School opened their gardens earlier this year. These gardens incorporate outdoor classroom spaces and garden beds used for innovative and experimental approaches to organic vs. non-organic gardening techniques. Val Verde Unified School District’s mission is to educate our students with 21st-century skills. These gardens allow us to do just that by offering students the opportunity to practice the 4Cs: Collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication.
“Val Verde Unified is proud to have partnered with EMWD on this important program that will not only allow us to save water but also help our students learn about environmental responsibility,” Val Verde Superintendent
Michael McCormick said. “This water efficient garden will have a long-lasting impact and allow us to do our part to ensure we are helping to conserve water for future generations.”