On Saturday, April 2, 2016 from 10 a.m. to noon, students, parents, teachers, and volunteers joined 3rd grade teacher Anna Houseworth to “break soil” in Potomac View Elementary School’s first Schoolyard Garden.
The hands-on project is grounded in the State Standards of Learning (SOLs), advised by Master Gardeners from the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), and supported by community volunteers. The project is funded by a grant from SPARK, the education foundation for Prince William County Public Schools.
The grant covered costs of wood for the two 3’ x 12’ frames, hardware, soil to fill the beds, hand tools for working the soil, two small tool sheds, and three rain barrels for collecting and distributing water. All teachers at Potomac View will use Schoolyard Garden to implement the Prince William County Schools curriculum that follows the SOLs. Students have already participated in lessons that lead up to the garden planting activity and the weeks of tending it that follow.
The Potomac View Schoolyard Garden “is a wonderful example of how collaboration benefits student learning,” said Houseworth, who has taught at the school for 10 years. The support of local businesses that contribute to the SPARK foundation, Master Gardeners, community members, parents, educators, and Prince William County Schools have “created a space where Virginia Standards of Learning will come alive through hands-on experiences,” Houseworth said.
Neighborhood volunteers Jean and Gregg Reynolds drove implementation of the garden plans. They purchased materials, donated some supplies, designed and built the beds, filled them with a mix of topsoil and compost, and will fabricate the rain barrels. Asked about their dedication to this project, Gregg stated that, “Our children attended Potomac View back in the 80’s and next year we will have a grandchild there. It is so exciting to know that she and all her classmates will have this garden experience.”
Fifteen 4th and 5th graders — along with their teachers, parents, and one grandpa — planted broccoli and cauliflower seedlings, and a variety of seeds including lettuce, beets, squash, Easter egg radishes, and even flowers chosen to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
The Potomac View Schoolyard Garden provides students with the opportunity to practice authentic inquiry-based learning, decision-making and problem-solving skills with their peers and teachers. “The students couldn’t wait to dig into the dirt,” said Houseworth and they will “be able to leave something behind that they helped create. They will remember these experiences for a lifetime.”
The educational and interest value of the garden was proven even before it was officially open. When Jean and Gregg were making final preparation of the soil, the school resource teacher brought about 10 younger students to see the garden. “The kids had questions,” Jean said, “and got to hold brown dirt, then crumble chunks of compost. They were very excited about the earthworms, so we had a mini class right on the spot!”
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A fire broke out Friday afternoon at the LIDL grocery store on Liberia Avenue near Prince William Parkway, just outside the City of Manassas.
he Oak Valley Homeowners Association is sharply criticizing a Virginia Court of Appeals decision that upholds the Prince William Board of County Supervisors’ approval of a controversial land use amendment—despite what residents say was a deliberate disregard for public input.
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The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
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Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
