Sharon D.I.G.S.

 

                                         

At Sharon Elementary, we continually strive to enhance our educational program and provide our students with the most innovative learning opportunities and experiences.   

Thanks to countless hours of planning and the time and effort of many dedicated volunteers, we are pleased to showcase our plans for the latest addition to our school, Sharon DIGS (Discover, Inspire, Grow, Succeed  ).  The DIGS, a beautiful, serene courtyard atmosphere will provide unique outdoor educational opportunities for our students and offer a living history to recognize current and former students and families, faculty and staff. 

The DIGS is an ideal outdoor classroom setting. In addition to hands-on gardening, students will have opportunities to learn the history behind select plants, discover how ecosystems and life cycles work, study rock formations, and more.  The DIGS has been specifically designed to integrate outdoor learning with classroom curriculum. Through hands-on, inquiry-based learning that encourages participants to ask questions, gather information, and investigate possibilities, the DIGS will promote experiential learning opportunities in an authentic setting.  The DIGS will inspire our students to think, reflect, question, and engage in the highest levels of learning.   It is a constantly evolving project that will provide enjoyment for students for years to come.

The DIGS will :

Ø  Provide an enriching environment where students will maintain their very own garden (including two raised beds to enable children with physical challenges to garden side by side with other students)

Ø  Teach our children about native plants to Georgia and their history and how they were cornerstones of the early Georgians (Native Americans) diet

Ø  Teach our students to identify rocks and soil types native to Georgia

Ø  Demonstrate the seasonal cycles of annual and perennial plants, insect life via composting and water reclamation with a hand water pump

Ø  Show students how to read a sun dial and rain gauge and gain a better appreciation of regional weather patterns

Ø  Explain the value of old and new growth trees via an enormous preserved tree stump display

Ø  Create an outdoor classroom setting inviting students to use all five senses while exploring their surroundings to better inspire them in poetry, literature, and music 

We are so excited about The DIGS but it can’t happen without your help.  In order for us to open The DIGS to students in the 2011-2012 school year, I invite you to donate in one of the following ways:

Purchase Walkway Pavers (*See link above for printable form).

These pavers will form the pathway winding through the DIGS and can be personalized.  Honor your loved ones, children, or business by purchasing one or more pavers.

Paver(s) pricing (a great tax write off): 1 for $65, 2 for $60 each ($120 total), 3 or more for $50 each.

Sponsor Part of The DIGS (*See link above for printable form).

You can recognize your family or business by sponsoring one of many items/areas located in The DIGS.  Sponsor a tree, a garden,  the butterfly sanctuary , a bird house, or any number of items.

Volunteer Your Skill

We need electricians, plumbers, stone masons, carpenters, concrete experts, and gardeners to help bring our DIGS to life.   Sign up by contacting DianeLepley@gmail.com.

This is an exciting time in the life of Sharon Elementary.  The DIGS will be an amazing addition to our school that will carry on for generations to come.  Please consider giving your time and resources towards this project.  With your help, Sharon Elementary will continue to be THE BEST school in Georgia!

 Click HERE to view a printable paver donation form.
                      Click HERE to view a printable sponsorship form.