A new non-profit, Stonewall Gardens and Outdoor Science Lab, is launching its first major fundraising campaign this week to garner community support for the learning garden at Stonewall Jackson Elementary, a vast 20,000 square foot outdoor classroom.  The organization’s fundraising goal is $75,000 for the next school year, which will sustain the garden program with a full-time instructor, science equipment and other classroom supplies, and gardening materials and tools. 

Just one year ago, this decade-old garden program faced extinction after its long-time director and science instructor, Mark Painter, was laid off during the District’s massive budget shortfall.  Stonewall families, unwilling to see this successful and beloved science program wither, stepped up to donate the funds necessary to bring Mr. Painter back to campus for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year.  Parent volunteers immediately began work to establish a new organization that could sustain the Garden program in the years ahead.  Stonewall Gardens was granted tax-exempt status by the IRS this summer.

Today, the Stonewall garden and outdoor science laboratory serves all of the more than 500 students at Stonewall Jackson, one of Dallas’ best public elementary schools.  The program allows students to connect directly to nature by tending crops, conducting science experiments, and observing the diverse garden ecosystem in a hands-on environment.  The garden curriculum is integrated with in-classroom science lessons and covers virtually all the Texas education standards (TEKS).  Olivia Henderson, Stonewall Jackson’s principal, notes, “There is no doubt that this program is a very important part of our science curriculum that has increased student achievement with its broad curriculum.”  In fact, research shows that hands-on activities are enormously effective in helping students gain a deeper understanding and longer-term interest in science than traditional classroom activities.

The future of Stonewall Gardens and its ability to grow and flourish are now in the hands of the community.  Stonewall Gardens is seeking donations from the community, local businesses, corporate partners and foundations, and Stonewall families to fully support this important program.  To make a donation or learn more about Stonewall Gardens, please contact Kate Cromwell, President at 214.300.1042 or Chasity McReynolds, Vice President for Fundraising at 214.405.5800 or visit www.stonewallgardens.com.