Helen Keller Elementary School has transformed its school garden into a thriving green space filled with plants, trees and vibrant flowers thanks to the efforts of more than 40 parents and volunteers who participated in a School Garden Clean-Up Day on September 27.
The event marked a beautiful collaboration among school staff, parents and students, who cleared out old brush and debris, beautifying the garden, which will now serve as a living classroom for students.
“My vision was to create a vibrant space that would not only delight our students but also actively involve their parents in the planting process, allowing them to choose their favorite flowers and plants,” said Community Schools Case Manager Grace Funes, who spearheaded the project alongside Principal Yamiler Varela. “As our students continue their journey at Helen Keller, they will take pride in seeing the plants and flowers grow alongside them.”
Parents played a key role in organizing the event, sharing their gardening expertise and coordinating an art activity for students. The project was supported by groups who donated time and resources, including Divine Hustles, which supplied gardeners; Hands of Love, which donated over 50 bags of fruits and vegetables; and Veterans Stand Together, which provided goodie bags and books for volunteers.
Campus clean-up days are taking place across Lynwood Unified schools throughout October and November, encouraging students and families to come together with a shared sense of purpose and pride in creating welcoming school environments.
The next scheduled beautification will take place at Lugo and Washington elementary schools on Saturday, October 5, and Vista High School on October 12. The Lynwood Commitment project, a collaboration between the District, the City of Lynwood, and the Reformed Church of Los Angeles, will take place at Lincoln Elementary School on October 12.
For more information on each school's scheduled clean-up day, contact the school’s front office.