Gardening: Hartshorn Elementary’s Unique Garden

On yet another rainy summer day, my spirits were lifted by an array of brightly painted wooden flowers dressing the entrance to Hartshorn Elementary School. The flowers, created by the school’s Art Patrol, are an introduction to what lies behind the building.

Tucked in the intersection between its wings is the Hartshorn Habitat. Principal Ronald Castaldo does not refer to it as a garden. He likes the broader term “habitat.” It is not only about the plants, but also the animals and insects that make it their home.

Unique to the town’s set of five elementary schools and one of only about 27 across New Jersey schools, Castaldo beams with pride as he declares it “very special."

"It captures the heart and soul of who we are as a school," he said. "Not only does it offer learning benefits it serves as a vehicle to bring together the children, teachers and parents as a community.”

While we did not discuss it, research has shown a connection between hands-on gardening and higher science test scores.  To Hartshorn the habitat brings much more.

Since its re-creation in 2007, it has become deeply imbedded in the day-to-day activities of the school.  For one thing, it was the genesis of the new school mascot.

A hawk quickly made the habitat his home and was followed by a Name-the-Hawk contest. Rocky is now the official school mascot. His image appears on banners used for school spirit and plates for fundraising efforts. And it makes for a perfect alliteration: the Hartshorn Hawks.  To everyone’s delight, one parent even dressed up in a Rocky costume and gracefully “flew” around the school.

Because the school is very committed to writing activities, parents on the PTO Habitat Committee organized and funded the printing of news@h, the Hartshorn literary magazine.  News@h is a delightful compendium of writings, art work and photos inspired by or resulting from student time in the habitat.

Some of the different ways the space is being used include:

• For specific integrated science classes, like a unit on butterflies.
• To conduct special seasonal classes in the sciences with New Jersey Audubon  representative Michael Pollock.
• To participate in the on-line Cornell University bird count.
• For inspiration in art classes.
• For specific art projects, like a mosaic decorating the garden signage where writings are also on display.
• To observe and write poetry outside.
• For Girl Scouts and Brownies activities.
• For Tuesday summer picnics of parent volunteers.
• For Peer Buddy projects between kindergartners and fifth graders.
• Commemorative activities, like planting 50 bulbs for 50 years of Hartshorn.
• A site for composting of school lunches and to learn the benefits of composting.
• As general outdoor classroom space.

All this activity just evolved.  Parents on the Habitat Committee work closely with the instructional supervisor Krista LaCroix on programs.  Generous parental support in terms of funding and labor makes continuation of the habitat possible.

In addition, parents have extraordinary talent that they contribute.  For example, Ann Mills of Color Me Mine collected thumbprints on plates and raised money for the habitat. Several sculptures were donated by Faith Lefkort, including one of a young girl reading that is a focal point.

Castaldo said the habitat “succeeds because parents have a real commitment to making something beautiful.” Lynn Farscht and Kim Moore are this year’s co-chairs.