May 7, 2012 at 5:26 p.m.
A green partnership
Three Lakes School plant project benefits students, community
A green partnership
"I am an avid plant lover and I was sitting out on the patio at Pat's and I asked Pat Deau, the owner, what he did with all his plants and he said he would have to throw away most of them," Straus said. "Well I just didn't like the sound of that so I called him up later and asked him if he would be willing to work out a deal with the Three Lakes School to care for his plants in our green house over the winter and he was all for it."
Straus said she envisioned that the project would allow students of different grades and skill levels to work toward a similar interest and at the same time, give back to the community.
"This really was a win-win for everyone because not only will Pat Deau get to keep his plants alive but our students got to learn the importance of working toward a common goal," she said. "Using the plants was also a project that our Exceptional Educational Needs (EEN) students, as well as our regular ed students, could make a part of their learning and it didn't cost anyone, anything."
Deau allowed a selection of coleus and ferns from his outdoor seating area to be transferred to the Three Lakes School greenhouse to be cared for over the winter where the elementary and high school students incorporated them into their daily curriculum.
"The plants were used in Pete Schoff's sophomore biology where where the kids learned about plant A-sexual reproduction and vegetative propagation, so they learned how to take clippings and then it was their responsibility to to keep their plants alive," Straus said. "Both the younger and older students learned about caring for plants and the responsibility it takes to tend and care for plants and that is something they can use for the rest of their lives."
Straus said it was helpful for the EEN class because it was a hands-on project that works in their school and home life.
"It teaches them basic plant care and responsibility because they have to keep it alive but it's interactive and they develop motor skills too that they will use in the future," she said. "I am always looking for ways to bridge the gap between EEN and regular ed and this was kind of a perfect fit."
At the end of the school year the students will be able to put all their new plants that they grew from the clippings to good use.
"Our younger kids will get to take their plants home and give them to their mom or dad for Mother's and Father's day," Straus said. "We used some to fill in Pat's plants that we will be giving back, but the older kids will then deliver their plants to area businesses here in Three Lakes to continue the goal of giving back to the community."
Straus said the idea may seem as simple as keeping plants alive for Deau and using them in class but the students develop more skills that will stay with them.
"Really, the end product is that the students become more active and proactive citizens of society," she said. "And regardless of your skill level it teaches you that you can do anything you set your mind to and everyone benefits. And of course, doing activities that are hands on is the name of the game."
Deau said he was surprised by the offer Straus made and was happy to work with the school and help the students.
"I just thought it was so nice what they were willing to do for me and it was pretty much a convenience for me, but I'm happy they were able to get so much out of it," he said. "I didn't even know they had a greenhouse so I was on board from the beginning and I would absolutely do it again next year. I would never have thought to do something like this but being able to help each other is a great thing."
Straus and Deau agreed this was a wonderful example of a school and community collaborative effort that was available with no cost attached.
"It's not often you come across something where one party isn't asking money from another. It's a great a collaborative effort that gives back to the community and benefits and makes both sides better than before," Straus said. "So next time you're sitting, having lunch on Pat's deck, you can smile and enjoy the beautiful plants knowing that the Three Lakes School provided some much needed care all winter long."
Monica Baltich may be reached at [email protected].
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