Meagan Jordan Photo
After spending hours putting plants in the ground for their school’s new “habitat,” Worthington Hooker students got a chance Monday to plant rocks.
The rock-planting took place Monday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the school, at 691 Whitney Ave., marking the official opening of a new outdoor space that includes flower beds and rock and vegetable gardens. The Schoolyard Habitat is designed for environmental education, to help students at the K‑8 school learn about the world of plants.
Once the ribbon was cut, students were able to enter the habitat, where they placed stones in the rock garden as part of a new tradition.
Students, staff, parents and contributed to the project, with the help of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Audubon Connecticut, and Common Ground High School.
At Monday’s ceremony, students gave presentations explaining why the school habitat is essential, and expressed their excitement about the new project.
Plans for the habitat began coming together last spring. “This is the first year. We began earnest planting in the fall. The kids right from the beginning were instrumental in what plants they would like to see,” said Principal Sheryl Hershonik.
She said she was grateful to the all parents who participated. “Without our parents this would have not happened.”
Aicha Woods, mother of two and a “habitat parent leader” said she was very happy with the outcome. “I’m so proud and happy to see the kids out here. It’s been really fun,” said Woods.
Her son, 4th-grader Cody Woods, spent hours putting plants in the ground. “It was hard to make, but it was a good result,” he said.
His friend Alan Krauthanmer agreed: “I really like the design of the garden. It looks really nice.”
“The vision has come alive,” said Francesca Williams, Audubon’s education specialist. “Every student that shared their stories about today really hit home, it makes us extremely proud,” stated Williams.
