VERO BEACH — Whole Child volunteers recently assisted students at Highlands Elementary School in making garden stepping stones. The stones are the first “step” toward transforming a large courtyard at the school into a beautiful space.
The completed plan will include fresh landscaping and a Whole Child mural, which will incorporate flowers painted by the students.
The Beautiful Spaces campaign is part of Highlands’ vision to create a safe environment where all students engage in their own self efficacy so that they learn the lifelong skills needed to be successful emotionally, socially, and academically.
“Whole Child is proud to support Highlands’ vision of creating a safe environment that fosters productive learning. The stepping stones and courtyard transformation are opportunities for students to contribute to making their school a beautiful place to learn and thrive,” said Whole Child Executive Director Kelley Williams.
“We are thrilled to have Whole Child’s involvement. We hope other organizations and businesses will join them in offering enriching and rewarding experiences for our students,” added Highlands Principal Diane Fannin.
Whole Child’s mission is to nurture and develop thriving children by connecting families to a network of resources.
The program is grounded in the philosophy that in order for children to succeed and thrive, communities must address all six dimensions of their well-being: quality education, physical and mental health, economic stability, social-emotional development, spiritual foundation and strength, and safe and nurturing environments.
“No single organization or school can do it alone. We all must work together,” explained Whole Child committee member Genevieve Introcaso.
Whole Child hopes to have the courtyard transformation completed by spring 2014. Sartain & Associates designed a beautiful landscape plan, and artist Sarah Bumgarner will lead the mural design and creation.
“Thanks to the generous support of the Garden Club of Indian River County, we will have the funding to make the landscape plan a reality,” Williams said.
Whole Child Indian River is an initiative of the Junior League of Indian River. Whole Child is proud to have the support of the Children’s Services Advisory Committee and Quail Valley Charities.
To learn more about Whole Child, please visit the website at www.WholeChildIRC.org.
If interested in supporting the Beautiful Spaces campaign or want to join Whole Child in making a difference at Highlands, please contact Kelley by email at KWilliams@WholeChildIRC.org.
To learn more about Highlands’ vision, please visit the website at www.CelebrateHighlands.org.
