Media Advisory
1450 Herndon, Clovis, CA 93611-0599 (559) 327-9000; Fax (559) 327-9099 www.cusd.com

May, 24 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kelly Avants, Administrator, Communications & Board Relations

Phone: 559-327-9092 Fax: 559-327-9099

via e-mail

School garden teaches kids that vegetables are fun!

Students at Sierra Vista Elementary School in Clovis Unified are growing: and not just in knowledge. Thanks to the efforts of teacher Carolyn Ehn, the students have planted and tended their very own garden, right on the campus of their school. For these students, many of whom traditionally turn their noses up at the thought of eating vegetables, the garden has been a learning experience.

Planted in an area between two portable classrooms on the campus, the garden has provided teachers at the school the opportunity to bring lessons about good nutrition alive for the students. By helping plant, tend and harvest the vegetables the students have learned that vegetables can be pretty neat, and good to eat. And, this week, the school will accept a grant from the California Fertilizer Foundation, which will help the garden continue to grow.

WHAT: Students and teachers at Sierra Vista Elementary School in Clovis are growing a garden to teach students lessons about good nutrition and life science. On Thursday, the school will accept a $1,000 grant from the California Fertilizer Foundation to help keep the Sierra Vista Garden Gates Eco Center growing.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 25, 2005
1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

WHERE: Sierra Vista Elementary School
510 Barstow, Clovis (at Barstow and Pollasky avenues)
VISUAL/
INTV OPPTS: Elementary students will work in the garden, planting and watering plants and tending already planted vegetables.

Teachers will be available to talk about how they have taken lessons from the garden into the classroom

For more information, contact Kelly Avants, director of communications, at 327-9092. During the event, media can contact Carolyn Ehn, third grade teacher. Members of the media should first check in at the school office prior to proceeding to the event.

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