Inverness Mayor Tatooles Visits Holy Family Academy's Outdoor Classroom

After months of reading, researching, collaborating, planting and watering, Holy Family Catholic Academy's rain garden has taken shape. So, it was with great pride and enthusiasm that the students welcomed a visit from Inverness Mayor, Mr. Jack Tatooles.

Greeted by students in grades kindergarten through Grade 8, the mayor learned from the budding scientists how the rain garden will be used to study all aspects of earth science from insects in kindergarten to biodiversity in 8th grade. Principal Kate O'Brien explained, “Holy Family Academy is embracing the new Framework for Science Education. This 21st century approach to science education focuses on capturing students' interests in a meaningful, hands-on way. And what better way to engage students than to create a living garden to serve as our school's outdoor laboratory.”

Mayor Tatooles graciously shook hands with all of the students and took time to hear their thoughts. “I am such a supporter of any initiative that not only gets young people outside, but also gets them thinking,” stated the mayor.

The garden is part of an Inquiry-based learning unit taught in Holy Family's third grade. “In addition to the scientific outcomes of the unit, we also want our third grade students to learn that they can become leaders in their community by promoting gardens that benefit the environment and our water supply,” stated teacher, Mrs. Becky Sponseller.

The rain garden was funded by a generous grant by the Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant Program which is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Jadel Youth Fund, the Daniel F. and Aida L. Rice Foundation , the Illinois Conservation Foundation, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It represents Phase-One of a multi-phase project that will create gardens of native plants as well as a habitat for birds, butterflies and other creatures.