STEM Garden Project, PE Grant Awarded To Cherokee Charter

By AV/Media Club

Canton, GA — With millions of dollars in educational grant funds available to schools all across America, Cherokee Charter Academy (CCA) was the latest recipient in getting a grant approved to help nurture its S.T.E.M garden and Physical Education and Wellness programs.

CCA was awarded a total of $4,000, to be divided evenly between the two programs. The S.T.E.M garden will definitely be brought to life with the use of these funds. CCA S.T.E.M coordinator and middle school Science teacher, Mrs. Curtis feels that this grant will enhance to garden’s sustainability. “With this grant, we are planning on creating a water collection system to better hydrate our plants, building more raised beds, and building a split rail fence to better separate the garden, which will lead to more sustained growth with the plants and reduced waste of water and other materials.”

In addition to the S.T.E.M garden, the physical education portion of the grant will be put to immediate use as students, staff, and faculty will be encouraged to stay healthy. A large portion of the grant will be spent on pedometers. Coach Serrano feels that the pedometers will definitely create an increased culture of exercise and overall health throughout the community of the school.

“The pedometers will be used to kick start our “Walk Across America” campaign and increase the wellness of the students before, during, and after the school day by accumulating steps to achieve a school-wide step goal. In addition, students will participate in physical education lessons dedicated to acquiring steps through various activities while affirming the importance of physical activity a minimum of 60 minutes per day. Together, the school will walk into a healthy lifestyle!” The access to the pedometers will even include the faculty and staff being able to reach their personal fitness goals in a “Biggest Loser” competition!

Katie Smith, Child Health and Wellness Dep. Director of the Georgia Shape School Physical Activity and Nutrition Grant Program Funding Agency was excited and encouraged to provide the grant and hopes that the endeavors of both the S.T.E.M garden and physical wellness will be a success. “We believe these projects can help you in delivering sustainable physical activity and nutritional interventions in your school.”

Overall, the students, staff, and faculty at CCA will benefit tremendously from this grant approval and the residual effects of increased nutrition and fitness will be influential both inside and outside the culture of the school!